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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



SONGS OF HOPE 



SONGS OF HOPE 

AND OTHER POEMS 



BY 

EMMA THARPE ^ALE 






NEW YORK 

THE COSMOPOLITAN PRESS 

1913 



^v 



^K. 



^v 



Copyright, 1913, by 
EMMA THARPE HALE 



X 



©C1.A354050 



To Those Whom I Love 

This book 

is affectionately dedicated 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Good Cheer: 

After the Storm 15 

Aftermath 15 

Another Year has Dawned 16 

"As Gold is Tried by Fire" 18 

Autumn Hopes 19 

Clouds Cannot Last Alway 19 

Don't Let Trouble Down You .... 20 

Endure to the End 21 

The Everlasting Arms 22 

For All Our Needs 23 

Forgetting Things Behind 24 

God Cheers the Lonely Way 25 

God Give You Peace 27 

He Giveth Grace 28 

"He Knoweth the Way That I Take" ... 28 

He Leads Me Home 30 

If I May Help Another 31 

"It Is Never Too Late to Mend" .... 32 

Just Don't you Whine 33 

"The Land of After-'while" 34 

"Laughin' Mary" 35 

Life's Tangled Threads 39 

Live It Down 40 

Lord, Keep Us All 41 

The Morning Cometh 42 

Never Fear 43 

The Pilgrim Way 45 

The Rocky Road 46 

Sing a Song of Gladness 48 



10 CONTENTS 



Good Cheer (Continued) : page 

A Song of Hope SO 

Songs in the Night $1 

The Storms Shall Pass 52 

"The Valley of the Shadow" 53 

With the Shadows 53 , 

A Word of Cheer 54 

Dreamland : 

Autumn Memories 59 

A Dream of Life 60 

Dreaming 62 

The Garden of Might Have Been .... 63 

The Heart's Best Dream 64 

"It Might Have Been" 65 

Marechal Niels 67 

A Memory 67 

Our Vanished Dreams 68 

A Reverie 70 

The Three Maidens 71 

Songs of the Sea : 

At Anchor 77 

Becalmed 78 

The "Good Hope" 79 

The Lesson of the Waves 79 

My Home by the Sea 81 

My Ship of Dreams 83 

On the Hillsboro' River 84 

The River's Charm 85 

The Secrets of the Sea 86 

Though Billows Roll 87 

The Tranquil Lake 88 

Vacation Days 90 



CONTENTS II 



Home Scenes : page 

Back in Tennessee 97 

Clemente Jill 98 

Coming Home loi 

Mother 102 

The Orange Grove Nearby 103 

Our Southern Dead 104 

A Picture of Memory 105 

The Sheltered Fold 107 

"A Sinner Saved by Grace" 109 

"The Sunny South" no 

Love and Friendship : 

A Benediction 115 

Cherish the Loved Ones 115 

The Counsel of Linophel 116 

"Entreat Me Not to Leave Thee" . . . .119 

The Flower of Love 119 

Friendship 121 

God Knows 122 

Golden Bells 123 

The Lord Keeps Watch Above .... 124 

The Lovers 125 

Love's Coming 126 

A Maiden's Soliloquy 128 

A Message from My Heart 129 

The Secret of the Rose 131 

Sweet Content 132 

The True Alone Abides 132 

A Wish 134 

The Land Beyond: 

The Dear Ones "Over There" .... 137 

"I Shall Be Satisfied" 138 



12 CONTENTS 



The Land Beyond (Continued) : page 

The Joys Unknown 139 

The Loved Ones Gone Before .... 140 

The Many Mansions 141 

The New Jerusalem 142 

"Safe in the Arms of Jesus" 143 

When the Summons Comes 145 

Miscellaneous : 

Autumn 149 

Birthday Wishes 150 

The City's Turmoil 151 

The Fleeting Day . 152 

God Gave : He Took Away 153 

God's Handiwork 154 

An Incident 155 

"I Will Not Let Thee Go" 156 

In Darkness IS7 

In Memory of J. N. Hall 158 

Jest Settin' in the Sun 160 

Let Me Rest in Thee 162 

The Mountains 163 

My Prayer 165 

The New Year 166 

Regret 167 

Sitting at Thy Feet 168 

The Three Crowns 169 

Uncle Ned's Disappointment 171 

"The Vision Splendid" 175 

We Meet All Kinds of Folks 176 

With the Shadows 177 



GOOD CHEER 

My heart is just full of good wishes, 
Which my pen has but feebly expressed; 

I hope that this fact you'll remember, 
And your heart can supply all the rest. 



SONGS OF HOPE 15 



AFTER THE STORM 

When storms are o'er there comes a calm, 
When clouds have passed, the sun 

Shines o'er the earth with healing balm, 
For storms their work have done. 

So, in our lives there comes a calm 
When storms have had their fill, 

When God speaks forth, in voice sublime. 
To winds and waves, "Be still !" 

Though tossed and bent by sorrow's power 

The sunshine of God's peace 
Shall lift us like the storm-bent flower, 

And storm and rain shall cease. 



AFTERMATH 

Waiting, mortal, holding fast, 
Trusting through the night? 

Bound for Heaven's shore at last. 
Longing for the light? 

Waiting — sorrow in thy heart, 

Looking for the star; 
May the shadows all depart. 

And no doubtings mar. 



i6 SONGS OF HOPE 

Drear and lonely has it been, 

Lonely yet may be ; 
Pain and longing dwells within — 

Some day they shall flee. 

God thy Father plans thy ways, 

Knoweth all thy pain ; 
Strength will give thee as thy days — 

Fears and doubts are vain. 

Trust him, earth-child : he is true ; 

All thy care he knows. 
Clouds shall vanish, skies be blue. 

And thy way be fair! 

God hath spoken — wilt thou doubt? 

Trust his gracious word. 
Care and trouble — cast them out: 

All thy prayers are heard. 

See the coming of the dawn — 
Doth it cheer thy heart? 

Shadows shall be swift withdrawn, 
Darkness shall depart. 



ANOTHER YEAR HAS DAWNED 

Another year has dawned — its days are slipping by, 
And God has spared my life: I sometimes wonder 

why. 
Now looking up to him with trusting heart, I pray, 
"Dear Father, be with me, and guide me ev'ry day." 



SONGS OF HOPE 17 

In looking calmly back across the waste of years, 
In thinking o'er my joys, and all my doubts and 

fears, 
I still can say, in truth, "My Father led me on. 
And made the pathway blest o'er which my feet 

have gone." 

There've been some dreary days of agony and 
doubt, 

When gloom and dark despair drove faith and cour- 
age out: 

There've been some blessed days replete with hope 
and joy. 

Whose golden gleams no clouds of darkness can 
destroy. 

And there've been other days — days full of dreary 

care, 
Whose skies were leaden grey, and all that made 

life fait 
Seem'd vanish'd from my sight, and not a gleam 

of blue 
Made bright the sky of life with glory shining 

through. 

But skies of leaden grey, or nights of darkness 

drear, 
Or skies of tender blue, their glory shining clear, 
Whatever they have been, or what they yet may be, 
My Father sends them all, and that's enough for me. 

So, trusting all to him, I walk serene and calm. 
And to my waiting heart he brings his healing 
balm; 



i8 SONGS OF HOPE 

The days that are to be shall bring me what I 

need, 
Because he wills it so — this hope brings peace 

indeed ! 



"AS GOLD IS TRIED BY FIRE" 

When the heart is nigh-broken with anguish, 

And wounded again and again ; 
When tears of deep sorrow and sadness 

Are wrung from the eye-lids by pain. 
Then I think of the blessed Bible 

That teaches the truth clear and plain, 
"As gold is sore tried by the fire 

So the heart must be tried by pain." 

When those whom you cherish act coldly. 

And sadden and grieve you, and pain ; 
When sorely you long for caresses, 

And hope for a kind word, in vain, 
Let a feeling of calmness come o'er you — 

By regret you have nothing to gain. 
For "As gold is tried by the fire, 

So the heart must be tried by pain." 

When God, who has tried us, sees clearly 

His image within us we show. 
As it shines from our purified hearts. 

With a steady and wonderful glow 
The fire of affliction shall vanish, 

The pure gold will only remain — 
"As gold has been tried by the fire. 

So the heart has been tried by pain." 



SONGS OF HOPE 19 



AUTUMN HOPES 

May not the autumn fairer be 

Than spring, with blossoms gay — 

And blessings come to you and me 
That shall not fade away? 

Then let the leaves a message bring 

Of happy autumn days, 
When joy within our hearts shall sing, 

And love abide always. 

The leaves of crimson, green, and gold 

For April's loss atone : 
Though spring-time joys may not unfold. 

The autumn has her own. 

Then let us say, "Good-bye" to pain. 

And banish grim despair; 
For hope and faith are not in vain. 

And God is everywhere! 



CLOUDS CANNOT LAST ALWAY 

However sad this life may be, 

However rough the way, 
This thought is often borne to me — 

"It cannot last alway." 

The clouds shall not always hang low. 

The sun not always hide, 
The bitter winds not always blow ; 

So, cast your grief aside. 



20 SONGS OF HOPE 

Cheer up, dear friend, nor let despair 
Within your heart hold sway ; 

Your sky shall yet be bright and fair — 
Clouds cannot last alway! 



DON'T LET TROUBLE DOWN YOU 

It's useless — this grievin' an' moanin' 
'Cause things ain't a goin' to suit ; 

It's useless — this sighin' an' groanin', 
An' tellin' your troubles, to boot. 

A plenty of others have trouble — 
Jest greet 'em, an' give 'em a smile ; 

You'll find that your pleasure will double 
By cheerin' your neighbor awhile. 

It's likely his heart may be achin' 

For kind words of comfort an' cheer; 

An' maybe 'twill save it from breakin' 
Some neighborly greetin' to hear. 

Your sorrow, it may be, will lighten 
By makin' another heart glad ; 

An' maybe the pathway will brighten ; 
So comfort the weary an' sad. 

Believe me, it's well-worth the tryin' 
Jest try now, an' see if I'm right: 

You'll find it much better than cryin' — 
It's helped me, an' others, a sight. 



SONGS OF HOPE 21 

The clouds of despair have hung o'er me, 
An' I have been down for a spell ; 

The way was in darkness before me, 
An' life was a funeral knell. 

But jest 'round the corner, a smilin'. 

The sun was a peepin' at me, 
An' all of my troubles beguilin' — 

I had jest to smile back, you see. 

Your heart may be achin' an' pinin' 
For blessin's you've lost by the way ; 

Above you the sun's still a shinin'. 
An' blessin's are comin' each day. 

Life here's jest a drop in the ocean, 
We won't be here long at the best — 

The right thing, at least to my notion. 
Is gladly to trust for the rest ! 



ENDURE TO THE END 

Oh ! why should you falter and faint by the way 
Because of the burden you're bearing each day? 
For others have crosses and burdens and care, 
'Tis right that your own you should patiently bear. 

The road may be dreary — see footprints ahead! 
The sharp thorns mav pierce you — here others have 

bled ! 
Your load may be heavy, as 'neath it you bow, 
But Jesus will help you — go ask of him now. 



22 SONGS OF HOPE 

Bear up awhile longer ; there's surely for you 
A blessing ahead, if you'll only be true. 
Keep hoping and trusting — press on to the goal ; 
God's blessings are waiting the conquering soul ! 

There's naught made by grieving o'er blessings 

we've lost; 
Go onward to vict'ry, though much it may cost ! 
When self has been conquered the vict'ry is won, 
Though shadows may darken the light of the sun. 



THE EVERLASTING ARMS 

Oh soul, let nothing thee dismay, 

Nor fill thee with alarms ! 
Thy God shall be thy strength and stay. 

Beneath thee are his arms. 

Yes, underneath thy sinking heart 
His arms steadfast and sure. 

Hold fast, and bid thy fears depart. 
Rest thou in Him secure. 

We cannot sink with such a stay, 

For He will bear us up. 
And bid the shadows flee away, 

Though we drink sorrow's cup. 

Oh, shelt'ring love! Oh tender care! 

That bears our hearts above 
The things that bring but grim despair 

To those who spurn thy love. 



SONGS OF HOPE 23 

Oh, arms of love, that hold us fast! 

Until earth's storms are o'er, 
With gentle strength, with tender clasp, 

Till we reach heaven's shore. 

Lord, may we never doubt, or grieve 

O'er earthly stings and harms! 
For thou canst bid these sorrows leave, 

And 'neath us are Thy arms 1 



FOR ALL OUR NEEDS 

He giveth strength, else who could bear 
The heavy load of grief and care 
That mortals carry on life's way 
Until they reach the realms of day. 

He giveth grace that we may stand. 
Upheld by His own gracious hand : 
Oh weary soul ! He speaks to thee, 
"My grace is rich and full and free." 

He giveth joy unto His own — 
The joy the world has never known. 
When we our blessed Master meet 
In rare communion, glad and sweet. 

He giveth peace when billows roll 
In raging anger o'er the soul. 
He stills for us life's raging sea, 
And makes life sweet for you and me. 



24 SONGS OF HOPE 

He giveth rest when worn with strife 
The heart is weary e'en of Hfe : 
He sayeth, "Come to me and rest, 
Ye who are weary and oppress'd !" 

He giveth sleep, when all is o'er 
And we shall never sorrow more: 
No more our weary eyes shall weep — 
"He giveth his beloved sleep." 



FORGETTING THINGS BEHIND 

Look not with grieving, backward glance 
On joys that once did thee entrance ; 
Cast all vain longings from thy mind, 
Forgetting joys that are behind. 

Perhaps a vision sweet and fair 
Thy longing heart doth ever bear — 
A vision full of winsome grace, 
And none can ever take its place. 

What profit to thee doth it bring 
Forever thus to fondly cling 
To that which from thy life has fled? 
Alas ! 'tis numbered with the dead. 

Arise, and forward turn thy face, 
Thy backward footsteps now retrace : 
Too long thy heart has grieved and pined- 
Forget, for aye, the things behind ! 



SONGS OF HOPE 25 

If mem'ry of some grievous sin 
Abides, long since though it has been, 
And dwells and rankles in thy heart, 
And pierces thee with cruel dart, 

Drive thoughts of it from thee away. 
And greet with joy a new-born day; 
To thy own grieving heart be kind — 
Leave grief and sadness all behind. 

Each day brings with it blessings still 
That may thy life with gladness fill : 
Take what the living present brings. 
And look to God for better things. 

The future yet for thee may hold 
Rich flowers of love that shall unfold, 
And joy and blessings thou shalt find 
Forgetting things that are behind. 



GOD CHEERS THE LONELY WAY 

I know, dear friend, the way is dark and drear, 
And clouds obscure the shining of the sun ; 

I know there seems no ray of hope, no cheer. 
And that your heart's desires cannot be won. 

I know your path is through the desert place. 
And parching thirst, and hunger mock your 
heart ; 

I know through burning sands your way you trace — 
Your lonely way — despairing and apart ! 



26 SONGS OF HOPE 

I know all this — yet God knows too, oh friend! 

And this should give you courage just to say, 
"He knows the way — he knows it to the end, 

And he will be my everlasting stay." 



Oh, friend of mine, cheer up ! and let His love 

Be unto you a fountain of delight; 
Look for the rift within the clouds above. 

From whence there shines his wondrous life and 
light. 

Believe me, friend ! you shall not walk alway. 
Consumed with thirst throughout the desert 
wild; 

Your God will be your shelter and your stay, 
And heal and comfort you, his weary child. 

Does He not know, oh friend ! your life is sad ? 

Does He not know your heart is bruised and 
sore? 
Can He not bless, and make your spirit glad 

When this, the testing time for you, is o'er? 

Oh friend, look up. His sun is shining still! 

Do you not feel within his love and peace? 
Believe me now — to you can come no ill 

That God, your Father, cannot cause to cease. 

"Thy will, oh God, not mine !" can you not say ? 

Can you not feel his will is always best? 
Oh friend, I, too, have trod this lonely way, 

And found that he can give the weary rest. 



SONGS OF HOPE 27 



GOD GIVE YOU PEACE 

Oh friend, I feel your need my heart within, 
Though distance Hes between us like a pall ; 

Your lonely mood my heart can enter in, 
And feel with you the shadows as they fall. 



I know not why — I cannot understand 

How now — tonight — I feel your soul's deep need ; 

I only know 'tis so, and stretch my hand 
To you, my friend, in sympathy indeed. 



'Cross plains and rivers — over hill and vale 

I build a bridge of thought that hearts can span. 

And send this message, "God will never fail : 
Trust thou on him ; thy life he well can plan." 



The way is dark and lonely for you friend ; 

And so I breathe a pray'r to God for you. 
That he may bless and keep you to the end, 

And give you friends whose hearts are warm and 
true. 



'Tis sweet to think He understands your pain, 
And he can fill your heart with wondrous peace ; 

Oh, may he whisper words, whose sweet refrain 
Within your heart shall cause all pain to cease ! 



28 SONGS OF HOPE 



HE GIVETH GRACE 

We faint and shudder when some poignant grief 
Seems coming surely o'er our life's fair day; 

From gloomy shadows vainly seek relief, 
And fain would drive the grief and pain away. 

We cry aloud and say we cannot bear 

That to our lives such pain as this should come; 

We ask of God our bleeding hearts to spare 
Until our hearts with woe are stricken dumb ! 

But when the blow falls on the bleeding heart, 
And hope has fled, with certainty of ill, 

His grace and strength to us he doth impart, 
And leads us by the peaceful waters still. 



"HE KNOWETH THE WAY THAT I TAKE" 
(Job 23 :io) 

Oh, blessed assurance of love so divine, 

Of love that will never forsake ! 
He leadeth in tenderness this heart of mine, 

"He knoweth the way that I take !" 

And when I'm astray He will lead me aright, 
And for me right paths He will make; 

And into my darkness shall shine forth His light, 
"He knoweth the way that I take !" 



SONGS OF HOPE 29 

If lonely the journey, and dreary, and sad, 
My heart shall fear not, nor quake, 

For ever He teacheth my heart to be glad — 
He leadeth the way that I take. 



Oh, wondrous the care and the mercy of God! 

Our faith no trials should shake. 
Whatever the pathway our feet may have trod 

"He knoweth the way that we take." 



He planneth my life with his manifold care, 

He guardeth, asleep, or awake; 
When dark clouds surround me or when all is fair 

"He knoweth the way that I take !" 



I've walked in the valley with Giant Despair, 

And felt care, pain, and heartache; 
I've been on the mountain with Jesus in prayer — 

"He knoweth the way that I take!" 



Oh, I have had times of communion with Him 
Who spake as never man spake ; 

He tenderly showed to my earth-vision dim 
That He guideth the way that I take ! 



I'll walk in the way that He guideth each day, 
I will ever be glad for His sake, 

That He maketh for me a road and highway 
And blesseth the way that I take! 



30 SONGS OF HOPE 



HE LEADS ME HOME 

In paths by thorns beset, 

Where rough stones bruise my feet, 
My Savior leads me home, 

To taste his blessings sweet. 

In ways I do not choose, 
Yet He knows what is best, 

Though weary I may grow, 
And long for ease and rest ; 

And when life's too complete, 

And full of earthly joy. 
Lest I should wander far. 

He lets some thorn annoy. 

He gives to each a cross 
That seemeth hard to bear. 

But still he leads the way — 
On him I cast my care! 

Though over barren plains, 

Or rocky hills I roam. 
What matters it at last, 

Since Jesus leads me home ? 

The thorn-crown pierced his brow. 
The nails his hands and feet, 

He walked the way alone, 
My penalty to meet. 



SONGS OF HOPE 31 

We sinful mortals here 

Should never from him roam, 
For he has trod the path 

By which he leads us home ! 



IF I MAY HELP ANOTHER 

If word of mine can lift the load 

That weighs a burden'd heart, or cheer 
A drooping spirit on life's road, 

If I can wipe away one tear, 
I hope to give that help in love. 

And soothe with tender care the way 
For others who in sorrow move. 

And chase the shadows far away. 

If I can know some life has grown 

More brave at word of cheer I've given ; 
If souls, despairing and alone. 

From desolation I have driven 
My life shall not have been in vain, 

And I shall help another's need 
By making less his grief and pain 

And God will bless each kindly deed. 

If I can give unto my own 

The tender word and fond caress, 
And lay aside the bitter tone, 

Their lives I then shall bless. 
If I can rouse some listless one 

To see the work that 'round him lies, 
A noble work I shall have done 

In opening his blinded eyes. 



32 SONGS OF HOPE 



IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO MEND" 

Have you made mistakes and failures 
Causing you sad hours to spend? 

Keep within your mind the proverb — 
"It is ne'er too late to mend." 



Let not failure mar you always, 
But press onward to the end ; 

Do not wholly be discouraged, 
For 'tis not too late to mend. 



Though you may have erred most sadly, 
Pray that God his grace may send; 

Rise with resolution, saying 
"It is ne'er too late to mend." 



Some may coldly frown upon you — 
One perhaps you'd thought a friend; 

But resolve to rise above it — 
And though late, that you will mend. 



You're as sure to gain the victory 
As the heaven's o'er you bend. 

Then don't stop for petty trials — 
If you try you're sure to mend ! 



SONGS OF HOPE 33 



JUST DON'T YOU WHINE 

Just don't you whine, 
Nor yet repine, 

For doubts don't ever pay : 
It's cloudy yet, 
But don't forget 

The sun may shine today. 

Just search around 
Until you've found 

The smile that's lurking near. 
And bring it out 
The frown to rout, 

And drive out every fear. 



Your doubts dismiss; 
They bring not bliss. 

No right have they to live : 
Just hope and pray. 
And work each day. 

And blessings God will give. 

Then don't you whine, 
The sun will shine, 

And skies shall yet be blue. 
The Lord knows best. 
And you can rest 

On all He says as true. 



34 SONGS OF HOPE 

He says, "Believe; 
You shall receive." 

Then watch, and wait and pray, 
And doubts shall cease, 
And joy and peace 

Shall come and with you stay. 



"THE LAND OF AFTER-'WHILE" 

You've known distress, and loss and pain — 

Forgotten how to smile? 
Your heart and lips shall smile again, 

In the land of "After-'While." 

Bright hopes have strayed from you away, 

Allured by fateful wile? 
Those hopes shall come to you some day. 

In the land of "After-'While." 

You've lost a friend midst earth's loud din 

By death or sad exile? 
That friend your heart shall win again. 

In the land of "After-'While." 

So cheer up, friend — let gladsome song 

Your somber thoughts beguile ; 
The joys shall come for which you long, 

In the land of "After-'While!" 

Each fond hope lost in darkness here, 

In that enchanted isle. 
Shall shine again, more bright and clear,- 

Ah, blessed "After-'While" ! 



SONGS OF HOPE 35 



"LAUGHIN' MARY" 

Folks called her "Laughin' Mary" 'cause 

She mostly wore a smile, 
An' she could cheer 'em up so good, 

An' all their cares beguile. 
She'd say to them, most cunnin'-like, 

"It ain't no use to growl" ; 
An' sometimes they would laugh at her. 

An' sometimes they would scowl. 

But la ! they couldn't laugh her down — 

She wasn't built that way; 
She'd smile in spite of vexin' things 

That other folks would say. 
Somebody kind o' spiteful-like. 

And sort o' down on luck. 
Nicknamed her, "Laughin' Mary," once, 

And somehow it jest stuck. 

She warn't no fool, I tell you that, 

For all her laughin' ways. 
An' she warn't laughin' all the time, 

For sometimes she'd jest blaze! 
Her eyes would almost burn you through, 

When she saw folks act mean; 
An' she would speak up quick an' sharp — 

Her words was awful keen. 

But "Laughin' Mary," most the time. 

Jest fit her like her hat; 
It sounded kind o' nice an' sweet 

For friends to call her that. 



36 ' SONGS OF HOPE 

It got to be the reg'lar thing", 
When folks was sad an' blue, 

To go to "Laughin' Mary" first, 
'Cause she knew what to do. 



To some she'd whisper, low an' soft, 

"The way will brighten yet — 
Jest you keep busy all the time, 

A tryin' to forget." 
On some with breakin' hearts she'd smile, 

Give 'em a tender pat, 
An' cry with 'em, an' pet 'em up, 

An' kiss 'em, an' all that. 



She knew jest what to tell each one. 

An' what way was the best 
To keep 'em from a frettin' so, 

An' give their hearts a rest. 
It seems to me she jest was made 

To comfort other folks ; 
An' weak ones jest clung on to her, 

Like grape-vines to the oaks. 



"Her troubles ?" Well, she kept 'em hid. 

An' told the Lord alone — 
She said, "Folks have enough to do, 

A tendin' to their own." 
So some folks thought her heart too light, 

'Cause they jest looked outside. 
An' couldn't see her tryin' hard 

Her griefs an' cares to hide. 



SONGS OF HOPE 37 

But some — the closest friends she had — 

They knew the way was rough 
For her, as well as other folks — 

We all have cares enough ! 
An' they admir'd her for her "grit," 

An' tried to be as brave; 
They blessed her for her lovin' deeds, 

An' for the cheer she gave. 

She jest kep' on a smilin', though, 

She didn't mind at all 
When people said, "Why, Mary? pshaw! 

She never had a call 
To sigh, or frown, or worry much — 

Her heart's too light to know 
The grief that comes to other folks 

In this sad world below !" 

But when the shades of darkness fell. 

An' wrapped in slumbers deep 
These folks who talked of troubled hearts 

Till they would make you weep. 
Then "Laughin' Mary," all alone. 

When no one else could see. 
Was "Weepin' Mary" lots of times — 

But this 'twixt you an' me! 

She wouldn't tell a single soul. 

An' she don't know I know ; 
But I jest know it's that way, 'cause — 

"A small bird told me so." 
An' if you keer'd about her much, 

An' watch'd her, you could see 
Her smile was on the surface-like, 

Sometimes, — it had to be! 



38 SONGS OF HOPE 

For there's a time to laugh, you know, 

The "Good Book" tells you plain, 
An' there's a time for cryin', too, 

An' there's a time for pain; 
Now, Mary's time for laughin' most 

Was when the folks was sad, 
An' needed her to cheer them up 

By lookin' sweet an' glad. 

Her time for cryin', though, was when 

Nobody'd ever know. 
An' so some thought her heart was cold. 

An' often told her so. 
'Twould hurt her feelin's lots of times, 

For jest a little while. 
But "Laughin' Mary" was her name, 

An' so she had to smile. 

But when she dies they'll miss her lots, 

An' some will understand 
Why she was loved so well an' true 

By folks all o'er the land : 
It's 'cause she knows that heartache comes, 

An' pain an' grief abide. 
An' so she smiles to cheer folks up, 

An' puts her grief aside. 

I love to think that some glad time 

She'll smile clean through an' through, 
When she gets up to Paradise, 

Where hearts are fond an' true. 
For folks that comfort other hearts, 

An' bear their griefs alone 
With courage, for the dear Lord's sake, 

Shall sins: around the throne! 



SONGS OF HOPE 39 



LIFE'S TANGLED THREADS 

It seems so strange, the tangled, tangled thread 
That Fate weaves 'round us, and our weal or 
doom 
Is seal'd for aye! Whose heart but what has bled 
Because dead hopes lie wrapp'd within their 
tomb? 

You planned your life, and Fate's forebodings 
spurned 
And to your lips the cup of blessing pressed — 
One deep, sweet draught, and it to wormwood 
turned. 
And you must drink, though wretched and dis- 
tressed. 

You longed for Joy — sought it with eager quest — 
You took it to your bosom, there to dwell ; 

It turned away just when you felt most blest, 
And Sorrow came, and tolled its funeral knell. 

Think you 'twas Fate ? Ah no, it is not true ! 

'Twas God, your God, who took your bliss away : 
He gave the joy and gave the sorrow, too — 

'Tis he who bids the disappointment stay. 

Oh ! ask you, "Why ?" Nay, nay, I cannot tell 
Why he. though loving us with love supreme. 

Thus takes away that which you love so well. 
And will not grant life's sweetest, fairest dream. 



40 SONGS OF HOPE 

But this he does, and yet he loves us well ; 

And though we cannot see and understand 
His dealings all, we know his words are true, 

And that he guides with loving, mighty hand. 

'Tis better so — or else it would not be : 
He gives us all the blessings we can bear ; 

Then let us trust him, though we cannot see — 
Our Father leads, and so the way is fair! 

Some purpose wise is in our ev'ry grief. 
Some blessing hid beneath the husk of ill. 

Oh aching heart ! you yet shall have relief : 

Trust him, and all your grievous murmurings 
cease. 



LIVE IT DOWN 

Has the world frowned upon you, and given you 
pain. 

As you longed for success and renown? 
Oh, there's nothing it gives but is fleeting and vain ! 

Live it down, friend of mine, live it down ! 

Have mistakes marred your life-work and given 
you pain — 

Have you met with the jeer and the frown? 
You can yet rise above them, and smile at disdain — 

Live it down, erring one, live it down ! 

Has your friend been unworthy, and faithless to 
you? 
Let this message your wretchedness drown — 



SONGS OF HOPE 41 

There are hearts that are faithful, and loyal, and 
true, 
Live it down, aching heart, live it down ! 

Oh, the spring-time shall come with its fragrance 
and bloom ! 
Though Hope's leaves now are withered and 
brown ; 
And a new hope shall rise from the old hope's drear 
tomb — 
Live it down, broken heart, live it down! 

Have you given your best, and received for your 
own 
But the thorns from Love's radiant crown ? 
Some day you shall have both a crown and a 
throne — 
Live it down, lonely heart, live it down! 

In God's plan of your life there are blessings in 
store : 
Fate is only the jest of a clown ; 
And some day all your anguish and pain shall be 
o'er — 
Live it down, trusting heart, live it down ! 



LORD, KEEP US ALL 

The Lord will keep — the Lord will guide. 
And let no evil e'er betide. 
Oh heart of mine I have faith and hope, 
And do not in the darkness grope. 



42 SONGS OF HOPE 

The Lord will watch above his own, 
Nor leave our hearts sad and forlorn ; 
Let all thy anxious fears subside, 
And trust thy God, whate'er betide. 

"Lord, keep my loved ones in thy care," 
My heart cries out in earnest prayer, 
"And guide us every one through all 
The shadows that upon us fall." 

Oh, may Thy promises console 
My troubled heart, and doubting soul! 
Nor pestilence, nor harm come nigh 
Thy children who for succor cry. 

Now as I lay me down to sleep 
I pray thee Lord thy watch to keep 
O'er us and loved ones far and near, 
And banish ev'ry haunting fear. 



THE MORNING COMETH 

Oh, Thou who seest all the load 

We weary mortals have to bear, 
Give us thy help along life's road, 

Give us thy tender, loving care ! 

Thou knowest where the thorn-crowns pierce. 
Thou knowest what the cross for each ; 

With thy own loving-kindness bless, 
And by thy providences teach. 



SONGS OF HOPE 43 

Thou knowest where the surgeon's knife 
Must sharpest cut to heal and save; 

But what is pain compared with hfe 
In Heav'n with thee, beyond the grave? 

Poor weary wanderers, lone and sad, 

We grope in blindness evermore; 
Some day the King shall make us glad, 

When pains and trials all are o'er. 

Oh hearts, that ache at what must be. 
And eyes that weep such bitter tears ! 

As ye pass through Gethsemane 
Alone, and full of griefs and fears ! 

Gethsemane, there each must bear 

The griefs that all our murmurings still ; 

There aching hearts breathe forth the prayer, 
"Let this cup pass. Lord, if thy will !" 

A morning bright shall come, when we 
Shall cast all thoughts of grief away, 

For face to face we then shall see, 
And reign in Heav'n with him alway ! 



NEVER FEAR 

Is the burden heavy, friend ? 
Bear it bravely to the end — 

Never fear. 
Though the days pass one by one, 
Yet the race shall soon be run, 

Help is near! 



44 SONGS OF HOPE 

Is the darkness 'round your way? 
Soon shall break for you the day — 

Light shall come. 
Falter not but trudge along, 
Keep up courage with a song, 

Don't be dumb. 

Do the days drag slowly on — 
Is your courage almost gone ? 

Look Above ! 
Take up some much-needed work, 
And the burdens do not shirk — 

God is love. 

Are you lonely — are you sad? 

Let God's goodness make you glad 

Ev'ry day. 
Let self sink for others' gain — 
Thus you lessen grief and pain 

All the way. 

Others suffer — why not you? 
To the right be ever true, 

Smile at grief; 
Bravely bear each trial sore, 
Knowing this : 'twill all be o'er — 

Then relief. 

When you've laid your burden down, 
For the cross have had your crown 

Bright and fair, 
You will hold as naught the pain, 
And no burden count in vain 

"Over There." 



SONGS OF HOPE 45 

God shall wipe away your tears, 
And your vain and foolish fears 

Shall be o'er. 
He will give you blessings sweet, 
As you worship at his feet 

Evermore ! 



THE PILGRIM WAY 

Oft-times on life's rugged way 
I would rest me for awhile ; 

I would leave the heat of day — 
Let the cooling shade beguile. 

Weary grown, I often long 
Just to dream a few short hours; 

Just to sing some tender song 

Midst the shade of fragrant bowers. 

"Lord, I'm weary," saith my heart: 
"May I turn aside and rest? 

May I from life's burdens part, 
While I dream upon thy breast?" 

"No," he answers ; "Though 'tis sweet 
Resting from life's toil and care, 

I would have thee kindly greet 
Some one sinking in despair. 

"He has fallen on life's way : 
Lift him up — revive his soul ! 

Do not for thy dreams delay — 

Help him reach the heavenly goal." 



46 SONGS OF HOPE 

"There are others : let them bring 
Aid at once — they have no dreams. 

Let me dream, oh, gracious King ! 
Led by fancy's golden beams." 

"No, my child! do what I bid; 

Time is flying swiftly past. 
In thy heart thy dream is hid ; 

Thou shalt dream it out at last!" 

Longing for the shadows dim, 
I obey my Lord's behest : 

Do this work of love for him — 
Some day he shall give me rest! 

He will let me catch a gleam 
Of the joy of serving him ; 

Then, will let me dream my dream 
In the shadows cool and dim. 



THE ROCKY ROAD 

Now quit your f rettin', honey chil' ! 

The road that seems so long 
Is goin' to have an end some day — 

So jes' start up a song. 

I know it's rough an' hilly, chil', 
An' full of thorns an' rocks ; 

But keep your courage up, I say — 
You're boun' to have some knocks. 



SONGS OF HOPE 47 

It seems so hot an' dusty, too; 

Looks like it had no end ! 
It winds up hill far as you see, 

Without a single bend. 

But shucks ! there ain't no tellin', chil', 
What turn the road may make; 

How soon a fork to right or left 
Will be the way to take. 

Then, honey, keep a goin' on. 

Although the way is long; 
'Cause longest roads will turn at last. 

An' mopin's always wrong. 

Who knows but what a runnin' there. 

Right close along the way 
A path where grass an' flowers grow 

May be your road some day ? 

The Lord who plans our walkin' here. 

An' guides in all our ways. 
Is not a goin' back on us — 

Now ain't that what he says ? 

Not jes' them words He says, it's true, 

But meanin' jes' the same; 
So don't be dreary, honey, now — 

The Lord he ain't to blame! 

'Cause this road that you're goin' on 

Is jes' the way to go; 
He'd give a road all smooth an' nice, 

If it was better so. 



48 SONGS OF HOPE 

Your road down here is windin' on 
Right to the home on high ; 

An' if you trust the Lord for grace, 
You'll land there, by and by. 

Then what will all this matter, chil', 
'Bout which we worried so? 

The Lord will make us all forget 
These burdens here below ! 

The roads up there ain't rocky, chil' — 
They're made of gold, they say; 

An' thorns an' briers never grow. 
An' all the time it's day ! 

'Twon't matter then which road we took, 

Jes' so He lead us there; 
An' we'll forget it when we look 

On all those mansions fair. 

Then pick your bundle up, my chil', 

An' trudge along the way ; 
'Twill only be a little while 

Till you go Home to stay. 



SING A SONG OF GLADNESS 

Sing a song of gladness 

In this world of ours ; 
Sow not thorns of sadness. 

Plant joy's lasting flowers. 



SONGS OF HOPE 49 

You can bear your sorrow, 

And it comes to all ; 
Nor let any morrow 

Your heart's peace enthrall. 



There is need of singing 
Midst the world's sad moans; 

Keep your laughter ringing — 
Smother down the groans. 



Soothe your restless longing 
With glad trust in God, 

And the sad thoughts thronging 
Bury 'neath the sod. 



There are times when grieving 
Conquers bravest hearts, 

But they keep believing. 
Though the tear-drop starts. 



No doubt scars you carry 
That will e'er remain; 

No doubt thoughts oft tarry 
That give keenest pain. 



But with faith undaunted, 
Hope unto the last. 

Though you may be haunted 
By a bitter past. 



50 SONGS OF HOPE 



A SONG OF HOPE 

"Child, sing thy song of faith and hope," 

The Master whisper'd low, 
"That those who here in darkness grope. 

May feel its warmth and glow." 

"Lord, if I sing will any heed. 
So weak and faint my song? 

Will any hear who feel its need — 
Can I right any wrong?" 

"Sing child, the many may not hear 

Thy song as they pass by; 
Sing for the few thy song of cheer — 

For thy own lov'd and nigh! 

"Lift up thy voice before thy King, 

And sing thy simple lay. 
Thy little gift with gladness bring — 

Thy hope for ev'ry day; 

"And in the multitudes that pass. 

It may be there is one 
Who, losing love and hope, alas! 

Feels life has lost its sun; 

"And this poor wand'rer of the night 

May by thy song be brave. 
And see again hope's beacon light 

Shine out across the wave. 



SONGS OF HOPE 51 

"Then sing, oh heart, nor let there be 

A note of grim despair, 
And I will bless thy song and thee — 

And keep thee in my care !" 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

When darkness and danger are 'round us, 
And hide from our vision the light 

His care and his kindness surround us — 
"He giveth us songs in the night." 

When sorrow and longing and sadness 
Their shadows cast over the heart, 

God's love and forbearance bring gladness, 
And darkness and sadness depart. 

'Tis then that His presence is nearer, 
And closer he holdeth our hands ; 

We feel that our Savior is dearer. 
As lovingly by us he stands. 

Cheer up, despairing one ever. 

Nor e'er let your faithfulness fail ; 

His love will forsake you no never ; 
He stills ev'ry threatening gale. 

Oh, walk in the way that he guides you ! 

And walking by faith, not by sight, 
Believe him whatever betides you, 

And songs he will give in the night. 



52 SONGS OF HOPE 



THE STORMS SHALL PASS 

The billows 'round thee roll? What if they do? 

Christ sleepeth not as once on Galilee; 
Thou hast his care — be steadfast, brave, and true. 

And he shall calm life's wild and stormy sea. 



Shall life for thee be peaceful evermore, 

While others midst the storms must battle on? 

Ah no ! the waves may break upon the shore, 
But thou must trust, and bid thy doubts be gone. 



Each life must have its time of storm we know, 
If it would be a life serene and strong. 

So brave the storm : thy God would have it so, 
And calm shall come : the storm shall not be long. 



In nature, storms and tempests come apace. 
And billows roll, and fiercely blows the gale ; 

But storms depart, and leave no ling'ring trace 
On ocean's face, and so they pass away. 



Thus shall the storms that beat upon thy heart 
Depart from thee, and calm shall reign once more 

Thus shall thy tears, and sighs of grief depart ; 
So bravely smile and be content once more. 



SONGS OF HOPE 53 



"THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW" 

"Through the valley of the shadow" 
Guide, oh Lord, my shrinking feet 

To the land of love and beauty 

Filled with all that's pure and sweet ! 

"Through the valley of the shadow" 
Let no woe my heart betide ; 

May I go with joy and gladness, 
With the Savior by my side. 

"Through the valley of the shadow" 
Take my hand, and lead the way 

Till I reach the heavenly highlands, 
Where is one eternal day. 

"Through the valley of the shadow" 
Lead me to the heights above — 

To the Paradise all glowing 
With the radiance of thy love ! 



WITH THE SHADOWS 

Sometimes shadows on my pathway 
Darken faith and lessen hope; 

Sometimes gloom obscures the noonday; 
Then I sadly, blindly grope. 

But the sunlight also brightens 
Dreary paths that I have trod; 

Hope the burden gladly lightens, 
Leadins: back to Heaven and God. 



54 SONGS OF HOPE 

Gloom and darkness, grief and sadness, 
Wait upon us down the way! 

Light and life, and joy and gladness, 
Shall be with us, too, some day. 

From the gloom and shadows let us 
Hasten with a courage strong, 

And the fears that now beset us 
Let us banish with a song. 



A WORD OF CHEER 

Oh soul, bowed down by raging storm ! 

To you this hope I bear. 
The sun shall yet your sad life warm, 

Your sky shall yet be fair. 

You may have doubts, because of grief, 

But do not be dismayed ; 
Though you wait long before relief 

Be not at all afraid. 

You may not see, for o'er your way 

The clouds may cast a pall; 
But wait with patience for the day, 

And trust to God your all. 

There shall be calm, though storms may dash 

Your fondest hopes to earth: 
God's light will o'er the darkness flash, 

And hope shall have new birth. 



SONGS OF HOPE 55 

So do not grieve, or hopeless be 

O'er what God takes away; 
His peace shall come — the shadows flee, 

And night be turned to day. 



DREAMLAND 

We all build splendid castles, 

And dream of marble halls 
Wherein, in fleeting- visions 

The echoing footstep falls; 
But what a sad awakening, 

When all our dreams so fair 
Fly swiftly from our vision, 

And vanish in mid-air. 



SONGS OF HOPE 59 



AUTUMN MEMORIES 

On days like these, how I would love to wander 
In autumn woods, as the days of yore. 

And o'er the mysteries of Nature ponder, 
And see her beauties as I have before. 

I feel the chill that in the valley lingers, 

I see the leaves all crimson, green, and gold. 

Where frost had touched them with caressing fin- 
gers. 
That all their wondrous beauty might unfold. 

In memory I hear the gentle falling 

Of leaves of gold and crimson, earthward bound, 
When frost, too ardent, with persistent calling 

Had sent them fluttering softly to the ground. 

I see again the ripened nuts come dancing 
From dizzy heights, and madly scamper down ; 

I see the cold, with steady march, advancing 
To soon enwrap the earth with bed of down. 

Bright autumn days — who can tell out the story 
Of fields where golden rod is waving bright. 

And lifting to the breeze its crown of glory, 
And sumac flushing crimson with dehght ? 

O'er wood and lea the autumn sun in shining, 
O'er all the peace of nature gently broods. 

And for this glimpse of autumn fields I'm pining; 
And longing for its forest solitudes ! 



6o SONGS OF HOPE 



A DREAM OF LIFE 

In early youth, when life was full of dreams — 
Such lofty dreams of what my life could be — 

I longed for fame, with all its dazzling gleams, 
And hoped that life held such a prize for me. 



The years went on, and yet I did not see 

My dreams come true, as I had fondly hoped ; 

And still they lingered longingly with me, 

And yet, no door of chance for me had ope'd. 



And then, as life more real and earnest grew. 
And sorrows came, and disappointments sore, 

I saw my heart with truer, wiser view, 
And saw that self was written at its core. 



Self-love was there, self-glory the ideal 
That I had held before my narrow view ; 

And sorrows came my weakness to reveal : 

I marvelled not my dreams had ne'er come true. 



Oh, selfish dreams ! oh, shallow hope of fame ! 

How oft on husks you feed the hungry heart. 
Such narrow hope — to make for self a name 

That shall, at last, with earthly things depart. 



SONGS OF HOPE 6i 

Thank God, I've learned a nobler way, at last. 
Than any youthful dream of pow'r and fame : 

Such dreams are buried in the fading past, 
With other dreams that to my being came. 



New visions, now, upon my pathway shine — 
Ideals fairer far than youth e'er knew ; 

They come from nobler source — the All-Divine; 
And dreams like these may even here come true. 



Now would I stretch a helping hand to those 
Who faint and fall along the King's highway 

Now would I bid the weary heart repose 
On God, who never yet has led astray. 



Now would I speak a tender word of cheer 
To burden'd ones, and bid them cast their all 

On One who standeth ever waiting near, 
On One who even notes the sparrow's fall. 



Now I would rather cheer some lonely heart. 
Or wake some soul from stupor or dismay; 

Now I would rather bear my part 

Amid the burdens and the heat of day. 



Yea, rather would I lead some wanderer lone 
From paths of sin, from ways of woe and death. 

Than write my name on monument of stone, 
Where all might read my deeds with bated breath. 



^2_ SONGS OF HOPE 

For fame is but an empty, fleeting dream, 
And those who wait upon its presence find 

'Tis but a gleam — a fading, transient gleam 
That fades at last, and leaves no joy behind. 

Dream fairer dreams, oh, mortal here below ! 

Let thy desire be nobler far than this ; 
So shall thy life be more than fleeting show. 

So shalt thou taste of Heav'n's eternal bliss. 

Build not for self a palace grand and fair. 
Wherein thy name is writ in letters gold; 

But rather with thy kind thy dwelling share, 
And God shall give thee blessings manifold! 



DREAMING 

Did you ever, when the twilight 

Stole so softly over all, 
Sit and dream of happy moments 

That you never can recall? 

Did you dream of one beloved 
Who from earth has pass'd away, 

And forget that death had sever'd 
You till that eternal day? 

Or perhaps some living loved one 
In your dreams you seem to see ? 

Weary miles may roll between you, 
But you dream in ecstasy. 



SONGS OF HOPE 63 

Oh! then you have known the waking, 

And the coming back to earth, 
And your heart was sad with aching, 

At the jar of earth's rude mirth. 



Oh the dreaming, it is pleasant 
If no waking would occur; 

But the bitterness is doubled 
When we dream of things that were. 



THE GARDEN OF MIGHT HAVE BEEN 

There is a garden fair, called, "Might have been" : 
It Hes within the land of "Golden dreams," 

And fragrant flow'rs that bloom profuse within. 
Grow, richly water'd by fair "Fancy's" streams. 



There 're roses red within this garden fair, 
And stately lilies with their petals white. 

And jasmine flowers that breathe out odors rare. 
While all around is radiance and delight. 



These wondrous blossoms are too frail to bloom 
'Midst desert sands, or where the chill winds 
blow; 
The sun's fierce rays, or winter's deep'ning gloom 
Would bring them blight e'er ever they could 
grow. 



64 SONGS OF HOPE 

And mortals, weary with their grief and pain, 
Look longingly towards its walls so high 

And sigh for flow'rs that bloom for them in vain — 
For vain, indeed, are longing look and sigh ! 

Sometimes they catch a flash of roses red. 
Sometimes, a gleam of lilies sweet and fair; 

They cheer the heart when hope is well-nigh dead, 
And bring relief to souls bow'd down by care. 

Oh, garden ! fragrant with youth's lovely flowers, 
How far away your gleaming beauty lies ! 

And yet, the vision to these hearts of ours. 
Seems but a dream of love and Paradise. 

Oh garden fair! may mortals not draw near, 
And enter joyously within your gate? 

Within are growing wondrous flow'rs and fair, 
That bloom'd, alas ! for aching hearts too late. 



THE HEART'S BEST DREAM 

In ev'ry heart some tender romance lies 
That's hidden deep from prying, human eyes; 
The proudest beggar, walking on the street, 
Hath in his heart some mem'ry passing sweet. 

The worldly man, hard, practical, and cold, 
Who is forever on the chase for gold, 
Has known a time when life had youthful dreams, 
And oft across his mem'ry come their gleams. 



SONGS OF HOPE 65 

Not always was his mind and heart engrossed 
With cares that bring- a sense of wealth at most ; 
But back upon the shining track of youth 
There hes a dream of hope, and love, and truth. 

The busy house-wife, vex'd with daily care, 
Hath in her heart a vision passing fair, 
When youth and love and joy went hand in hand, 
Within the realms of Memory's happy land. 

Perhaps her husband, lover of her youth, 
Loves her more dearly now, than then, in truth ; 
But early days still live within her heart. 
And early dreams their blessedness impart. 

The lonely spinster, toiling late for bread, 
With starving heart — her body must be fed — 
When work is done, and soft the darkness falls. 
Some dream of youth, some time of joy, recalls. 

What heart so poor but hath its secret room. 
Wherein is kept, throughout life's toil and gloom, 
A mem'ry sweet, to which at times it turns. 
With eyes that weep and heart that sadly yearns? 



"IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN" 

'Tt might have been" — Oh words most sad ! 
There's naught within them bright or glad, 
When coming from a broken heart 
That's torn by sorrow's cruel dart, 

At dreary thought — it might have been! 



66 SONGS OF HOPE 

We're often harsh to those loved best, 
We save kind words for passing guest ; 
We're thoughtless for the peace and joy 
Of those we love, and oft annoy ; 
Then sigh too late — "It might have been!" 



Fain we'd recall each cruel word 
Our dear loved ones have ever heard ; 
But spoken words we ne'er recall — 
It comes to us like bitterest gall. 
Oh anguished thought — it might have been ! 



Or mayhap 'tis some prize we miss, 
Some haunting dream of wondrous bliss, 
That comes too late to make us glad, 
And so our hearts are lone and sad — 
Oh sad indeed ! It might have been ! 



Sad hearts have echoed this refrain, 
With ashen lips, and bitter pain. 
Oh God, thy children oft have felt 
This anguish, as to thee they knelt 
With bitter cry — "It might have been !" 



Yet God knows best — sad heart look up, 
And drink for him each bitter cup. 
Know this — thy God can take away 
Thy grief and gloom, or bid them stay — 
With him it is — not might have been! 



SONGS OF HOPE (^y 



MARECHAL NIELS 

Like the perfume from a censor, 
Wafted from some other shore, 

Comes the fragrance of the roses 
That I prize forevermore. 

In their rich and creamy fragrance, 
In their glorious bud and bloom, 

In their beauty and their splendor, 
How they lighten up the gloom ! 

Other flowers pale beside them, 
None surpass the Marechal Niels 

In their rich-hued tropic beauty. 
And the joy their perfume yields. 



A MEMORY 

'Tis dusk, and shadows swiftly 'round me falling, 
Find me alone, as still I sit and dream; 

And from the past soft memory voices, calling, 
Bring back again youth's bright and golden 
gleam. 

A breath from Memory's magic bower comes steal- 
ing, 

Upon my heart, and charms it with its spell; 
And to my heart there comes the distant pealing 

Of gladsome chimes from joy's own golden bell. 



68 SONGS OF HOPE 

A dream from out the past comes stealing o'er me, 
Of roses sweet with petals all of gold ; 

A vision glad ariseth swift before me, 
That I shall ever in my heart enfold. 

Yes, in my heart I evermore shall treasure 
The fragrant roses with their hearts of gold, 

And I shall find no richer, sweeter treasure 
Than this fair dream my memory doth hold. 



OUR VANISHED DREAMS 

Let's take a sail on Memory's boat 
Down the river of Bygone Days, 

And view the vanished dreams that float 
Thereon, — cherished always. 

Ah, how we love those happy dreams 

Of hope, and radiant youth ! 
We catch once more their lustrous gleams 

On Memory's sails, forsooth. 

Behold this dream of earthly fame. 

One heart has held so long, 
The hope to make for self a name 

Well known by earth's vast throng. 

This dream went out fair to behold, 

But on rocks of Despair 
Was lost, like countless dreams untold 

Fair dreams fragile as fair. 



SONGS OF HOPE 69 

A Mother's dream we see, of pride 

For her boy she lov'd so well 
'Tis shattered now and o'er it glide 

The waves where shadows dwell. 



That mother fond, with broken heart, 
Has gone where comes no blight 

Where we with disappointments part : 
They're lost in heaven's light! 

A lover's dream and hope is this : 

Of claiming for his bride 
A maiden fair, with whom 'tis bliss 

To walk life's path beside. 

But broken now, that dream floats on 
Down the stream of Bygone Days, 

For long ago that maid hath gone 
Where true love ne'er decays. 

The man lives on, the vision fled, 

Perchance into its place 
He puts a stone instead of bread. 

That filled his life with grace. 

Here dreams of riches and of wealth 

That faded He, and torn; 
And visions fair of joy and health 

O'er which our sad hearts mourn. 

Ah, visions that our hearts have thrilled. 
They haunt us sometimes, yet ! 

In days gone by our lives they filled, 
And we can ne'er forget. 



70 SONGS OF HOPE 

One dream abides unto the end, 

Yea, glows forevermore 
When life on earth is o'er we'll spend 

Our days on that fair "Shore." 



I love to think these dreams of ours — 
These shattered visions that we miss — 

Our Lord will take like fairest flowers, 
And merge them all in heaven's bliss ! 



A REVERIE 

I hear the rhythmic fall — 

The steady drip of rain ; 
It comes with ceaseless call. 

Like endless throb of pain. 

It falls on parched earth, 
It falls on thirsty flowers; 

It brings, where once was dearth, 
New life for fields and bowers. 

It falls upon the graves 

Of my beloved dead, 
Where now the green grass waves 

Above each lowly bed. 

And yet, midst soothing fall. 
And rhythmic, steady flow. 

Youth's vision I recall — 
Oh, days of long ago! 



SONGS OF HOPE 71 

In dreams I see once more 
A farm-house, old and gray, 

And on youth's happy shore 
Lie dreams that ne'er decay. 

But why recall the dreams 

That haunt me even yet? 
Ah, how the vision gleams — 

I never can forget! 

For dreams as fair and bright 

Are in my heart today : 
They shed their gladsome light 

Upon my heart alway ! 



THE THREE MAIDENS 

Before the fire three maidens sat 

Upon a winter's eve', 
And in a cozy little chat 

They let their fancies weave 
Bright, glowing dreams of future days, 

Their hearts were blithe and free. 
And youth's own sunshine cast its rays 

O'er life for maidens three. 

One caught the sunshine in her hair, 

Her eyes the skies own blue. 
Her face was winsome, sweet and fair. 

No grief or care she knew. 
One's eyes were of the midnight hue. 

Her hair the raven's sheen ; 
A face more winsome, heart more true, 

Was never known, I ween. 



72 SONGS OF HOPE 

The other's eyes were clear, dark grey, 

Her hair was chestnut brown, 
Her face was fair, her smile was gay, 

And joy her radiant crown. 
Each had her dream of life so fair. 

And each, with faith complete, 
Believed that she would have a share 

Of all that made life sweet. 

Said Golden Hair, "I mean to sing: 

Now listen to my vow — 
The world its laurel wreath shall bring, 

To twine around my brow ! 
How grand 'twill be to charm the heart, 

And make the sad forget 
Their cares and griefs, new hopes impart, 

And banish vain regret." 

Said Dusky Hair, "I mean to write. 

And nobly wield my pen 
To bring to other hearts delight — 

I shall be happy then. 
Wrongs I shall right on ev'ry side. 

And over all the land 
I shall be honored far and wide — 

Oh, will it not be grand ?" 

The Nut-brown maid, with gentle sigh, 

Spoke soft, "I ne'er shall rise 
Above the world, uplifted high — 

Not there my talent lies. 
Some day I mean to make a home 

The better for my life ; 
And what is more 'neath Heaven's dome 

Than loved and loving wife?" 



SONGS OF HOPE 73 

"I have no time for happy home," 

Quoth lovely Golden Hair, 
"For o'er the earth I mean to roam, 

Without a thought of care." 
"And I," said handsome Dusky Hair, 

"Must make my own career, 
Nor home, nor mate, can have a share. 

But I shall preach good cheer." 

The years went by — each went her way. 

And drifted far apart; 
But each thought often of that day 

When she revealed her heart. 
But lovely Golden Hair's sad fate 

Her girlhood friends made sad ; 
Fame came : alas ! it came too late 

To make her spirit glad. 

She did not write her girlhood friends 

How desolate her state; 
They only knew it near the end, 

And it was then too late. 
If they had known they might have brought 

Some comfort to her heart. 
And given her the love she sought — 

Alas, they were apart! 

And Raven Locks ? Her hands and heart 

Are filled with household cares, 
But dreams and visions have a part 

In all she does and dares. 
The thoughts that throng her busy brain 

She longs to bring to light, 
But there are little ones to train. 

And they are her delight. 



74 SONGS OF HOPE 

Some time, when leisure moments come, 

The ripen'd thought shall tell 
In richer life; and so for some 

The waiting-time is well. 
She now has learn'd that more than fame 

Is home, with peace and love. 
Where she can teach the Master's name, 

And lead their thoughts above. 

The Nut-brown maid has silver hair 

Commingled with the brown. 
For life has had its many cares. 

And oft has worn a frown. 
Her dream of home and love came true, 

And love attends her way; 
She smiles content if skies are blue, 

Or if the skies be grey. 

Each had her vision of renown, 

Or home with love supreme ; 
Each wished with joy her life to crown. 

And so fulfill her dream. 
No dream comes ever wholly true. 

No life on earth complete, 
But when our past we turn and view, 

There's much that's wondrous sweet. 



SONGS OF THE SEA 

I love to sit beside the sea 
And watch the breakers roll ; 

They whisper words of peace to me, 
And thrill my heart and soul. 



i 



SONGS OF HOPE yy 



AT ANCHOR 

Oh boat, to moorings bound so fast ! 

Wish you to sail away? 
Is it a dreary waiting-time 
Till you sail out the bay? 

Do longings stir within your frame 

To sail upon the wave — 
Doth fret your heart, and chafe your frame 

As waters 'round you lave? 

Sometimes the calmness rests on you 
Like some sweet psalm of peace. 

And for a time you seem content, 
But longing does not cease. 

For when the waves go dancing out 

With reckless, restless glee, 
And breezes whisper in your ear, 

"Come with the waves and me!" 

You strive to break the fetters strong 

That bind you to the land, 
And sail to waves' and breezes' call. 

Beyond to some fair strand. 

But wait you must till sailing-time, 

Though dreary days go on. 
Your restless tossing helps you not — 

Await a brighter dawn ! 



78 SONGS OF HOPE 

Some day your wish shall be fulfiU'd — 
Your Master's voice shall say, 

"I loose you from your bondage drear : 
Now you shall sail away ! 

"The blue sea lies within your view — 
You've dreamed of sailing free; 

Now where your longing bids you go, 
Sail out across this sea. 

"Fair islands lie beyond your view, 

And harbors full of rest. 
Oh, sail away, and find a port — 

The port your heart loves best!" 



BECALMED 

My ship of Dreams becalmed lies 

For Hope's fair breeze is dead, 
And watching it with longing eyes. 

And courage well-nigh fled, 
I cry, "Oh breezes! blow again. 

And fill the lagging sails. 
And let my Ship of Dreams come in, 

E'er hope forever fails." 

I've seen my ship storm-toss'd at sea. 

And watched the waves' mad roll. 
And thought forever lost to me 

The Dreams that thrill'd my soul ; 
And yet, what tries my soul e'en more, 

And causes joy to flee, 
Is this : — beyond the tempest's roar, 

My ship's becalmed at sea! 



I 



SONGS OF HOPE 79 



THE "GOOD HOPE" 

The "Good Hope," my fair ship, sailed away from 
Life's port ; 
And my eyes watched it vanish from sight. 
Will the winds of Despair with its fair sails make 
sport, 
And my ship sink in darkness and night ? 

Oh, my beautiful ship ! with its cargo of dreams — 
Blessed dreams that my heart holdeth dear. 

Oh, how weary the wait! oh, how long the time 
seems 
Till it comes, bringing comfort and cheer. 

I will wait, as I must ; holding e'er in my heart 
Fondest dreams of the future delight 

When "Good Hope" shall return, nevermore to 
depart, 
And my life shall be gladsome and bright. 

Oh, I trust that the Pilot will yet bring it me 
From the perils and snares of the deep ! 

And in life and in heart there shall evermore be 
Joy and song for the tears that I weep ! 



THE LESSON OF THE WAVES 

I listen to the restless waves break on the lonely 

shore — 
The white-capp'd waves that dash and foam like 

tempest's sullen roar; 



8o SONGS OF HOPE 

They never rest, but night and day upon the shin- 
ing sands 

They leap and dash unceasingly as if to break their 
bands : 

But their Creator sets their bounds ; beyond they've 
never passed. 

Within his hands, throughout the years, he holds 
them sure and fast. 

What lesson dost thou learn from them, I ask, oh, 
restless soul ! 

That beats against life's lonely shore with wild, un- 
ceasing roll? 

Thy God's decree is best for thee, whatever fate is 
thine ; 

He holds thee fast, and lets his love and peace upon 
thee shine. 

Then fret not so, impatient soul, because thy bounds 
are set 

By one who holds thee in his hands — he never will 
forget ! 

Oh restless soul ! this lesson learn, and ponder 

through the years, 
And it will save thee many hours of restlessness 

and tears ; 
Dash not thyself in anguish wild against life's lonely 

shore. 
But rest secure upon His love till all life's cares 

are o'er. 
Then lull'd to rest on Canaan's shore, forever there 

to be. 
Through endless years thou'lt be with Him where 

there shall be no sea. 



SONGS OF HOPE 8i 

A river clear flows e'er within the Paradise above, 
Whose waves serene flow soft and low within that 

land of love; 
No tempest's roar is on that shore, nor fiercely 

swelling tide, 
And there within the jasper walls the saints fore'er 

abide. 
Oh, river fair ! Oh, tree of life ! Oh, home forever 

bright ! 
How sweet 'twill be when earth-life's o'er within 

that home of light ! 



MY HOME BY THE SEA 

A picture paint me, picture-man, 

Of a cottage by the sea 
Where once I lived with bonny Nan, 

In the days that used to be. 

Just paint it grey, for salt sea winds 

Have worn the paint away ; 
And paint it small and bright within, 

Where folks love best to stay. 

Three rooms we had, with porch in front, 
Where Nan would watch and wait 

To see me come, as was my wont — 
Then meet me at the gate. 

I see again her slim brown hands 
Raised, shading eyes of blue, 

While in the sunshine she would stand — 
A sight I loved to view. 



82 SONGS OF HOPE 

A smile would lighten up her face — 

A bonny face and kind; 
And she was full of winsome grace 

As any you would find. 

Oh, painter-man! if you could see 

Her sunny face alight 
With tender smiles of love for me, 

'Twould be a charming sight. 

li you can't paint Nan I don't care 
For the house without her in it, 

For when she died I could not bear 
To stay there for a minute. 

When she went to the "Other Land" 

I could not bear to stay; 
'Twas more than any one could stand — 

I left there right away. 

But sometimes now, when shadows fall, 

I feel like I must go 
To that dear home that once held all 

I loved so, long ago. 

Sometimes in dreams her form I see 
And her sweet smiling eyes 

With love-light shining out for me — 
And I'm in Paradise! 

When I get to the pearly gates, 

Where oft' I long to be. 
Nan will be smiling, as she waits, 

To gladly welcome me! 



SONGS OF HOPE 83 



MY SHIP OF DREAMS 

Oh, my heart shall be light when my ship cometh in ! 

And the shadows shall all flee away : 
I will watch, I will wait, 'midst the noise and the 
din, 

For a glimpse of its sails, every day. 

Oh, how long I have watch'd for its form won- 
drous fair ! 

I have waited through wearisome years: 
I have gaz'd on the docks with an unwearied care. 

Through the mist of my swift, blinding tears. 

"Shall it ever come home?" I with bitterness cry, 
When sore grieved by my waiting so long; 

Yet I watch as the days go in weariness by, 
And I pray, "Let my faith still be strong!" 

Oh, my ship ! you are freighted with most precious 
ware — 
Yes, with frankincense, myrrh and pure gold ; 
With rare visions and dreams, all so wondrously 
fair, 
Hid in memory's soft, silken fold! 

Oh ye waves ! be ye kind to my fair ship of dreams : 

Let it come into harbor secure. 
Far away in the distance its fair form now gleams ; 

Let it come, and contentment assure ! 



84 SONGS OF HOPE 

Oh Thou Giver of all the good gifts of my life ! 

Bid my ship from strange waters depart ; 
And through storm, and mad waves, and the weari- 
some strife. 

Let it come and bring peace to my heart. 



ON THE HILLSBORO' RIVER 

We sailed up the Hillsboro' river, 
One of Florida's beautiful streams; 

All nature with joy was aquiver, 
And fair as youth's radiant dreams. 

We had cast far away every worry, 

And our hearts with all things were at peace 
We had left the world with its hurry, 

As we sailed on the fair yacht, "Bernice." 

The trees were leaning, enraptured. 
To view their own forms imaged fair. 

Where the water their beauty had captured, 
And faithfully mirrored it there ! 

'Twas good to be in the sunlight. 
And to thrill with joy, and with love. 

To have glad hope for our birthright, 
With the skies bending ever above ! 

Then back in the evening returning. 
With the shades of night falling fast, 

God's beautiful lights, brightly burning. 
On our way their radiance cast. 



SONGS OF HOPE 85 

Through the dusk with song and story, 

How swiftly the time ghded by, 
While the sentinel stars, in their glory, 

Kept watch in the wonderful sky ! 

Shall we all sail together I wonder, 

Again on this beautiful stream? 
I know not — for soon far asunder 

Our pathways far distant shall gleam. 

One dwells by the Father of Waters, 

Where his footsteps already have turned, 

And one where the "Susqu'anna" loiters. 
Will soon to her home have returned; 

But meeting or parting we carry 

This hope in life, and in heart. 
That by one fair river we'll tarry. 

Where friends shall nevermore part. 

This river with crystalline clearness 

Through the New Jerusalem flows; 
And there in its beauty and dearness 

We'll be where the light of God glows. 



THE RIVER'S CHARM 

Oh, fair Hillsboro ! flowing on 

In widening channels to the sea. 
Through lovely scenes your course has gone — 

But this is not your charm to me. 
For once, a few short years ago, 

A merry party, glad and free. 
You bore upon your placid flow. 

While breezes fanned their boat with glee. 



86 SONGS OF HOPE 

Gay song and story made the time 

Glide swiftly by, in winged delight. 
Sweet memory bells cease not to chime, 

In dreaming o'er that lovely night. 
No river is so fair to me 

As you through all your tortuous ways, 
For o'er and o'er you speak to me 

Of those departed, happy days! 



THE SECRETS OF THE SEA 

I sit upon the sands, and gaze upon the sea. 
And watch its waves, so green, rush forth with 

laughing glee; 
I watch the breakers foam, and hear their voices 

glad, 
But underneath it all I hear an echo sad. 

What are you saying, waves — what secret do you 

know? 
Beneath your cool, green depths what shadows 

come and go? 
Do you not weary grow, and sometimes long for 

rest. 
And sweet forgetfulness upon the earth's warm 

breast ? 

How many years you've washed these white and 
shining sands — 

How long with vague unrest, have tried to break 
your bands! 

You've wandered to and fro, and kissed this sea- 
girt isle. 

Sometimes with soft caress — sometimes embraces 
wild! 



SONGS OF HOPE 87 

When mankind comes to gaze upon your waves 

with awe, 
And question at the ways of your Creator's law, 
You do not note at all — you answer not a word 
Of all he has to ask, as though you had not heard. 

At God's divine decree )^ou wash these shining 

sands, 
Then wander back again, obeying his commands. 
And still within your depths you hold his secrets 

fast— 
The secrets you have kept throughout the ages past. 

Man matters not to you, oh, vast and mighty sea ! 
His laws you laugh to scorn, and at your own 

decree 
He sinks beneath the waves, to sleep throughout 

the years — 
You still his beating heart, and quiet all his fears. 

But sea, oh mighty sea ! from out your depths, at 

last, 
He yet shall rise to endless life — his time of slumber 

past; 
For your Creator's voice shall speak, "Give up 

your dead !" 
And man shall issue forth from out his narrow 

bed. 



THOUGH BILLOWS ROLL 

Sing thou, my soul, though billows roll ; 

They cannot bring thee harm ; 
God's "Peace be still" my soul doth thrill, 

And quiets all alarm ! 



SONGS OF HOPE 



Shall aught bring fear, while he is near, 

Oh soul ! that leans on him ? 
His loving care doth break each snare — 

His eyes are never dim. 

Though worms of dust, shall we not trust, 

Whatever may befall? 
He leads the way both night and day — 

He holds us lest we fall. 

He standeth nigh, and when we cry, 

He stretcheth forth his hand. 
And leads from here, through darkness drear. 

To that blest Glory-land. 

My soul, rejoice to hear his voice 

Speak to thee soft and low, 
"Lean on my arm, I'll shield from harm. 

While walking here below ! 

"And in death's vale I will not fail 

To give thee grace and cheer : 
I'll take thee home, no more to roam, 

With all thou boldest dear!" 



THE TRANQUIL LAKE 

How beautiful all nature is 
This lovely summer morn ; 

The work of our Creator 'tis 
E'er ever we were born. 



SONGS OF HOPE 89 

I see a lake before me lie, 

And mirrored 'neath its sheen 
I see the trees, and grass, and sky, 

A fair and radiant scene ! 

I see its waters clear and calm 

As some sweet, placid life 
That feels the gentle, healing balm 

That Cometh after strife. 

But as I look a gentle breeze 

Begins to softly rise, 
And mirrored sky, and grass, and trees, 

Grow dim before my eyes. 

The dimpling wavelets dance with glee, 

As kissed by zephyrs gay ; 
They go not rushing to the sea, 

But in their boundaries stay. 

Like to a happy, care-free life 

These land-locked waters lie ; 
From teeming life with burdens rife 

Some natures live and die. 

And though some troubles ripple soft 

Their gentle, placid ways, 
It is in quietude most oft 

They spend their happy days. 

Oh teach me, gentle lake, thy calm. 

That life may be for me 
A peaceful song, a gentle psalm. 

Wherever I may be! 



90 SONGS OF HOPE 



VACATION DAYS 

In need of change of scene and air, we went to 
Pass-A-Grille, 

A sunkiss'd island on the Gulf — its scenes are with 
me still. 

We spent some days of pleasure here, with kind, 
congenial friends : 

When life is fair each added friend an added plea- 
sure lends. 

I cannot tell you how the waves, with rushing, 

mighty voice 
Delight my eyes, and charm my soul, and make 

heart rejoice ! 
And looking on those waves I thought of other 

friends and you, 
And wished you could be with me there, beneath 

those skies of blue. 

I felt the dashing of the waves, as in their seeming 

glee 
They rushed with merry force along, and tumbled 

over me ; 
I gathered shells upon the shore — shells full of 

beauty rare. 
E'en there the waves came playing pranks to catch 

me unaware. 

I'd waken in the silent hours, when others were 

asleep, 
And with the moon keep vigil o'er the waters of 

the deep. 



SONGS OF HOPE 91 

Those lonely hours the restless waves seemed filled 

with wild regret, 
Like saddened life that beats against the bounds 

around it set. 

'Twas with a feeling of regret we left this sea-girt 
isle 

Where we had spent such pleasant days, and loitered 
for awhile 

Away from work and irksome cares within the city 
home — 

It brightens life, and softens care to let your foot- 
steps roam. 

'Tis always pleasant to return, for home is still 
the best, 

Although one wants to go away, and have a time 
of rest. 

So, going home was sweet, of course : the old fa- 
miliar place 

Seem'd like a dear remembered friend, with wel- 
come in his face. 

At home awhile we felt the call for yet a few weeks 

more 
Of peaceful rest, and dreamy days upon the wave- 

kiss'd shore. 
And, so, to linger by the sea, again we hied away : 
This time Ozona was our choice — Ozona on the 

Bay! 

Here golden sunsets, shining waves, and days of 

calm and rest 
Soothed heart and brain, and gave to life an added 

joy and zest. 



92 SONGS OF HOPE 

Kind friends gave pleasure to these days, and added 

to our store 
Of memories that we shall keep, when these days 

are no more. 



We glided o'er the waters clear, and leaning, looked 

to see 
The sea-grass waving green upon the prairie of the 

sea: 
Out to the waters of the Gulf we gaily took our 

way, 
Then back again, by breezes fanned, we sailed 

across the Bay. 



Sometimes, by night, each little fish that swam 
about in glee 

Stirred up a phosphorescent glow — the jewels of 
the sea ! 

The lightest move of slender oar upon the yielding 
wave 

Struck out a shining, silvery shower, as from a hid- 
den cave. 



One night we watched the porpoises, and in their 

shining wake 
The waters flashed before our eyes — the sea was 

all awake ! 
And as we watched the raindrops fell upon the 

waves, like stars : 
They seemed like angel's kisses, dropt through 

Heaven's golden bars. 



SONGS OF HOPE 93 

Vacation time will soon be o'er, and we shall wend 

our way 
Back home to the accustomed tasks — life's simple 

every day. 
These scenes within our minds shall live, these 

mem'ries in our hearts, 
And they shall cheer us many times, till life itself 

departs ! 



HOME SCENES 

We wander far, and wander wide ; 

Yes, restless o'er the earth we roam 
Yet, coming- back, we would abide 

Within the sacred walls of home. 



SONGS OF HOPE 97 



BACK IN TENNESSEE 

I'm back in dear old Tennessee, 
Where first I saw the light, 

And where, in happy childish glee, 
I roamed with keen delight. 

Back in the house where, years ago, 

I opened first my eyes; 
Where all the world I cared to know 

Was in the dear home-ties. 

Back where my mother's body lies 

Beneath the quiet sod ; 
Where other dear ones that I prize 

Have gone to meet their God. 

I'm back where in my girlhood days 

I passed delightful hours ; 
And where I met both praise and blame 

Lightly as April showers. 

'Twas here that I became a wife, 

And left the old roof-tree, 
And took the marriage vow for life, 

At love's own sweet decree. 

'Twas here God gave into my care 

My darling little one, 
Who came my heart and home to share, 

And brighten as the sun. 



98 SONGS OF HOPE 

Here old-time friends of mine still feel 

An interest in my fate ; 
And kindly words and looks reveal 

Their love doth not abate. 



Though loyal friends and true, I've found 

Away from this dear land, 
With these, in love, my heart is bound 

In ties that e'er shall stand. 

Nor do I love the new friends less, 
Nor yet the old friends more. 

That I ask God to keep and bless 
These faithful friends of yore. 

Soon many miles shall twixt us lie. 

And time fly quickly past; 
And yet these friendships shall not die 

As long as life shall last. 

Yes, even on the other side. 

In Love's own Glory-land, 
Together we shall there abide. 

And love and understand! 



CLEMENTE JILL 

We write the names of heroes grand 

On monuments of stone ; 
And song and story, through the land, 

Proclaim they are our own. 



SONGS OF HOPE 99 

Of those who fought, and bled, and died 

On glorious battle fields 
We speak and write a nation's pride; 

Their blood their greatness seals ! 

'Tis well to honor heroes brave, 

'Tis their just due, indeed ; 
They fought and died their land to save 

When this fair land had need. 

But there are heroes with us now 

As brave and true as they; 
To them our hearts in rev'rence bow — 

These heroes of today ! 

In Florida's own sunny clime 

Our hearts are made to thrill 
At deed of bravery sublime 

Of noble Clemente Jill. 

She was a maiden twelve years old, 

But brave as any knight 
Who ever rode in armor bold, 

To conquer in fierce fight. 

For when her home was all in flame, 

Her sisters' peril great, 
She waited not for praise or blame, 

Consider'd not her fate. 

But with her own brave heart aglow 

With love, and courage true, 
No sign of shrinking would she show. 

As she the flames went through. 



loo SONGS OF HOPE 

She bravely rescued ev'ry one 

Of little sisters five, 
And though the flames their work had done 

She linger'd, still alive. 

Too brave to moan, or writhe in pain, 

But full of courage still, 
She, knowing it was not in vain. 

By her own dauntless will 

Kept down the agonizing cry 
That well she might have made ; 

And though she knew that she must die 
Her heart was not afraid. 

And so she died, a martyr brave, 

'Neath Tampa's sunny skies : 
She gave her life their lives to save — 

A noble sacrifice ! 

Does not each hero-loving one 

With exultation thrill 
That there has lived 'neath southern sun 

Our brave, true Clemente Jill ? 

Shall we not haste to honor her ? 

Though she cannot now know 
The reverence we feel for her. 

That reverence we can show. 

Oh, had I words of beauty rare, 

And an immortal name, 
I'd tell to all this deed most fair, 

And hand it down to fame ! 



SONGS OF HOPE loi 



COMING HOME 

I am coming home to see you, for my heart is long- 
ing sore 

For a sight of my beloved, whom my heart doth 
e'er adore; 

And I see your smile, in fancy, loving, tender, glad 
and sweet. 

And I hear your dear voice thrilling all the silence, 
as we meet. 

Have you missed me, too, beloved — have you 

longed my face to see? 
Have you thought of me with longing — wishing you 

could be with me ? 
Has the time for you been lonely, while from you 

I was away? 
Have your thoughts oft' wandered to me, wishing 

for me day by day ? 

Oh, I'm coming back, beloved ! and my heart is full 

of song 
At the thought of being with you — for the days 

have been so long. 
If my heart could have its wishes I would never 

leave you more: 
I would linger always by you till earth-life for me 

was o'er. 

E'en in death I'd have you with me, and when I 

had crossed the tide 
Through the pearly gates I'd enter Heaven with 

you — side by side; 



I02 SONGS OF HOPE 

And within the "Golden City," where the saints for- 
ever rest, 

I would live and love you ever, knowing thus I 
would be blest ! 



MOTHER 

Oh mother, sweetest name on earth! 

'Tis music to mine ear ; 
The name of her who gave me birth — 

The one without a peer. 

Sometimes 'tis hard to be resign'd 

When thinking- of the past; 
But God's own will is best, I find, 

And we shall meet at last. 

For that dear mother is at rest, 

Free from each earthly care; 
For He who doeth all things best, 

Took her to mansions fair. 

And though on earth we'll meet no more, 

My fervent prayer is this; 
That we may meet on that blest shore 

Where all is peace and bliss. 

Why should I wish her back again ? 

She's happy over there! 
The world is full of grief and pain, 

And life has much of care. 



SONGS OF HOPE lo^ 

And though I often sigh and pine 

For that dear mother's love, 
I know that by His will divine, 

She's happier above. 

Oh could I see her face once more, 

And gaze in fondness there. 
As in my childhood days of yore, 

'T would be a joy most rare. 

But in the land that ne'er grows old, 

Where never cometh care, 
I'll walk with her the streets of gold, 

And be forever there. 



THE ORANGE GROVE NEARBY 

I'm looking from my window at the orange grove 

near by. 
Its clear dark green is restful to heart, and mind, 

and eye ; 
The fruit is now beginning to turn from green to 

gold; 
The glossy leaves they change not — their color still 

they hold. 

The gentle breeze is ruffling the leaves in playful 

joy, 

They seem as gay and happy as a sun-browned, 
barefoot boy. 

The mocking-birds are singing with joy their morn- 
ing song 

Of praises to their Maker — they're happy all day 
long! 



I04 SONGS OF HOPE 

At night these wild birds fold their wings, and rest 

in peace secure, 
Within the thorny branches — a refuge safe and 

sure. 
And waking oft at midnight I hear them sweetly 

sing, 
And feel as if they meant to me a message glad 

to bring. 

When time for bud and blossom come in early 
sunny spring, 

The trees are in their glory, and wondrous odors 
fling 

In sweet abandon to the breeze which wafts them 
soft to all 

The passersby who pause to heed their sweet, in- 
sistent call! 



OUR SOUTHERN DEAD 

I fain would twine a wreath of immortelle, 
And place it softly o'er our Southern dead. 

And lift my voice in glad, undying song 
Of praise for them, above each lowly bed. 

All this I'd do with fond and loving heart 

Had I but words of wondrous power and skill. 

But I can only bring my lowly song — 
In this my joy and duty I fulfill. 

I only bring my little meed of praise, 
And speak of valor and of courage rare 

That shone out bravely through the dreary days 
When press'd by foes, and darkened by despair. 



SONGS OF HOPE 105 

Grand songs of praise have oft' been sung for them 
By sweetest, bravest singers of the earth ; 

But I would sing my little song content 

To praise, today, their valor and their worth. 



A PICTURE OF MEMORY 

How many pictures, sweet and fair, are hung on 

memory's wall ! 
But there is one my heart doth prize, and cherish 

more than all ; 
Not for its framing beautiful, for love enfolds it 

'round : 
No pictured face more dear to me my heart has 

ever found. 

You ask why is this picture dear; why is it prized 

by me? 
Well, listen : I will tell you why — this vision let 

you see. 
I draw aside the curtain dim that hides it from 

your view. 
And let you look a moment here, with reverent 

glance, and true. 

Behold my mother pictured here, with gentle, lovely 

face; 
Behold her glorious eyes of brown, and mouth of 

tender grace ! 
While pain has left its trace upon her face and 

figure now 
Her hair, untouched by sickness still, lies dark 

above her brow. 



io6 SONGS OF HOPE 

How dear she is to all our hearts — my father and 

the rest ! 
How sad that we must part so soon from one our 

hearts love best! 
She does not fear death's chilly breath, no terror 

strikes her heart; 
She soon shall enter into rest, though sad from 

us to part. 

We gather 'round her dying bed, with tears and 

sighs of woe, 
And speak farewells with quivering lips, in voices 

sad and low. 
Again I see the trembling lips, and feel the flowing 

tears ; 
Again I feel the loneliness that filled my heart with 

fears. 

The tender love again shines forth from out her 

sweet, dark eyes 
As she beholds her loved ones there, and knows 

that earthly ties 
Must soon be severed. As she draws each faint 

and flickering breath. 
With sinking hearts we see that she is drawing 

near to death. 

A moment — then the struggle's o'er, and she has 

crossed the tide. 
And sorrow enters in our hearts, and there doth 

long abide. 
"Ah, truly is the picture sad !'' I hear you softly 

say. 
Yes, truly! but I prize it much: it ne'er can fade 

away. 



SONGS OF HOPE 107 

As long as memory abides my heart shall ever 

prize 
This sacred picture I have shown to sympathetic 

eyes. 
Of all the visions sweet and sad that memory 

holdeth dear 
There is not one more sad and sweet than this I've 

shown you here. 



THE SHELTERED FOLD 

I sit beside the fire's warm glow, 
While memory wanders back 

To happy days of long ago, 

Down childhood's shining track. 



I think how, gathered 'round the fire 

On winter evenings cold. 
We cared not for the wind's rude pow'r, 

For we were in the fold. 



The people in our little town 
Were safe from winter's chill ; 

In spite of winds and frozen ground, 
Each had his fireside still. 



Our childish hearts gave little thought 
To wand'rers sad and lone 

That father to our memories brought. 
As bright the fire-light shone. 



io8 SONGS OF HOPE 

It seemed unreal while in our home 

That in the wintry storm 
Poor, lonely ones in vain should roam 

In search of shelter warm. 



Secure and warm, content were we 

As glowing flames leaped high ; 
Though thoughts like these might check our glee, 

Not long our hearts would sigh. 



Oh. careless childhood! sweet and fair; 

How soon there comes to you 
The truth, that in the world is care 

And need to hasten to. 



There're wanderers from the heavenly fold, 

While we are safe within, 
Who wander in bleak paths, and cold — 

The paths of doubt and sin ! 



Shall we content, like careless youth, 

So we slip not nor fall, 
Withhold from them the wondrous truth 

That there is room for all? 



Oh ! let us go and bring them in. 
And tell them of God's care, 

And strive to turn their feet from sin. 
And make their sad lives fair ! 



SONGS OF HOPE 109 



"A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE" 

These simple words. "A sinner saved by grace," 
Are carved upon the stone that stands above 

The grave of some one dear ; and as I trace 
The words, my heart o'erflows with tender love. 

To him life's journey must have seemed full long, 
For heavy griefs and burdens oft' he bore; 

And though he suffered much of loss and wrong, 
He trusted in his God forevermore. 

He helped to lift the heavy loads of care 

From other shoulders, heeding Him who taught 

We should each other's burdens bravely share — 
And many kindly deeds of love he wrought. 

Yet, when he came to enter into rest 

He did not strive his noble deeds to trace ; 

But unto those who knew and loved him best. 
He said : "I am a sinner, saved by grace." 

"I want no monument to rise," said he, 
"In grandeur o'er the grave wherein I lie : 

A simple stone, I ask you, let it be — 

The body sleeps : the soul ascends on high." 

No fulsome praise, or glittering epitaph 
He asked above his quiet resting-place ; 

For fulsome words are but the merest chaff' ; 
But this, he said, "A sinner saved by grace." 



no SONGS OF HOPE 

And so we laid his body down to rest : 

His soul went to his Father's home on high, 

And lives with other souls, ransomed and blest, 
And we shall join their number by and by. 

Whene'er I think how all my life his love 
Has been a sacred guard about my heart. 

And how he bore my name in prayer above. 
My heart is sad that now we are apart. 

A sense of loss oft'times comes over me — 
I long to hear my father's voice again ; 

And though that joy on earth can never be, 
'Tis well that he is through with earthly pain. 

Some day e'er long I, too, shall leave this earth. 
And all the ties that make this earth-life dear: 

Oh, may my life have something of his worth, 
My title to that home, like his, be clear! 



"THE SUNNY SOUTH" 

Oh, you who are weary of winter's chill blast. 
Who feel that your courage is failing you fast, 
I'll speed you a message : There's hope for you yet : 
In Florida's climate your weakness forget. 

The mocking-bird pours out his song in the night 
The sky smiles upon you with wondrous delight ; 
Here Nature outspreads all her prospects to please. 
And perfume is wafted on ev'ry soft breeze. 



SONGS OF HOPE iii 

Here life is a sweet and langourous dream, 
The sunsets are gorgeous, and bright the moon- 
beam, 
A charm seems to hover, and float over all — 
A spirit of peace on life's pathway to fall. 

Oh, who would not sing of such beauties as these ! 
The moss softly draping the noble old trees. 
The orange in blossom, its fruitage of gold. 
And rivers and lakes that are fair to behold ! 

No wonder that, seeking the "Fountain of Youth," 
De Leon should visit this fair land, in truth, 
For on its fair bosom repose healing streams 
Which well might renew all the youth of our 
dreams ! 

And Tampa, fair Tampa, a place of delight 
Whose day is a poem, a carol the night ! 
Here summer, in splendor, o'er Nature holds sway. 
And Winter, the tyrant, is driven away. 



LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP 

Oh, who would live one moment here 

Without a heart to love? 
What soul but's filled with added cheer 

That friends shall meet above? 



SONGS OF HOPE 115 



A BENEDICTION 

God bless you ever, friend of mine, 

And make your life a psalm 
Of joy and peace ; and may there shine 

On you his love and calm. 

God keep you, friend, where e'er you are, 

And guard your life from ill. 
And make his love your guiding star — 

Your greatest joy his vi^ill. 

God guide you, friend, throughout the days, 

And lead you where he may; 
Fill all your life with joy and praise, 

And be your strength and stay, 

God take you, friend, to mansions fair. 

When earthly life is o'er. 
And may you have a bright crown there, 

On that Celestial shore. 



CHERISH THE LOVED ONES 

Oh, love the friends you have today! 

And show your love while here, 
For death may take your friends away, 

And life shall then be drear. 

Hide not your love within your heart. 

Withhold no sweet caress. 
For when from loved ones you must part 

Their memory will bless. 



ii6 SONGS OF HOPE 

When friends depart you'll ne'er regret 
The love you gave to them. 

Their love for us we can't forget — 
'Tis Memory's diadem. 

Give kindness from a loving heart; 

Give tender love always ; 
Else when your friends from earth depart 

Regret will haunt your days. 

No tow'ring shaft or marble stone 

Can ease remorse and pain 
That comes to one left sad and lone, 

With keen regret and vain. 

Live so regret, with haunting form, 

Can never be your guest, 
But cherish with affection warm 

The ones your heart loves best. 

Give them unstinted love, whose glow 

And fragrance ne'er depart. 
And drive away, while here below, 
The shadows from the heart. 



THE COUNSEL OF LINOPHEL 

To Linophel, the wise, a maiden came. 

And cried, "My love has prov'd to me untrue ! 
No more he loves, but my fond heart the same 

Loves on — oh Linophel! what shall I do? 



SONGS OF HOPE t_i7 

"The world looks dark; and sad the future seems; 

My heart is breaking with its pain and grief, 
For me no star of hope one moment gleams, 

And death, for me, w'ould be a sweet relief." 

Upon the face of Linophel there came 
A shadow, fleeting as the gulls at sea : 

'Twas said that she had never been the same, 
Since some one went away and left her free. 

Perhaps 'twas true ; for written on her face, 
For those to read who understood aright, 

Were signs of conflict ; yet you, too, could trace 
Sweet resignation, and a courage bright. 

She gently smiled, and like a sweet caress 
Her voice spoke to the maiden sad of heart, 

"My dear, I wish that I your life could bless. 
And bid the shadows from your soul depart, 

"But oh ! because one being loves you not 
Will you sit down in blank despair and grief? 

Will you, because by friend you are forgot, 

Bow down, and pray that death may bring relief? 

"Nay, do not so ! Be not so weak, I pray. 

Not so should disappointment e'er be met ; 
Cast desolation from your heart away. 

And bravely say, 'I will, I will forget!' 

"God's sun is shining for you just the same — 
His blessings wait to break upon your soul ; 

Cast out the love that burneth like a flame: 
Let Lethe's waters deeply o'er it roll. 



ii8 SONGS OF HOPE 

"True hearts are fondly waiting for your love ; 

True friends still live to give you peace and joy ; 
Ah, lift your tearful eyes and look above! 

God's love no falseness ever can destroy. 



"Look up and smile ! the clouds will shortly break, 
And peace shall come, and sorrow pass you by, 

Though now your lonely heart may sadly ache, 
Because forsaken — and you pray to die ! 



"Do you not know that if he loves you not 
He is not worthy of the love you give? 

Ah, maiden ! better 'tis to be forgot 

Than bound to one who has no love to give. 



"Love yet shall come — a pure, unselfish love, 

And only such can crown your life with peace; 

And when it comes, a gift from God above, 

You'll ope' your heart, and all your doubtings 
cease. 



" 'Tis not true love that thinks of self alone — 
True love thinks of the one beloved, alway. 

His heart, untouched, has never been your own 
'Twas fancy only : cast this love away ! 

"But what are words, mere words, to breaking 
hearts? 

They cannot chide away the pain and grief : 
There is no peace when love at first departs ; 

But wait; and pray to God to give relief. 



SONGS OF HOPE 119 

"Some day when mem'ry wanders back to this 
You'll wonder how you could have griev'd so 
much ; 
And, standing- in the light of true love's bliss, 
You'll thank the Lord for time's own healing 
touch." 



"ENTREAT ME NOT TO LEAVE THEE" 

Like Ruth of old I would implore, 
"Entreat me not to leave thee"; 

I'll gladly follow ever more. 

Where'er thy footsteps lead me. 

For where thou goest, there will I 

Let joy and love content me; 
What harm can come when thou art nigh, 

What evil can be sent me? 

Thy people shall my people be. 

Them for thy sake Fll cherish, 
And all who love and honor thee 

Shall in my thoughts ne'er perish. 



THE FLOWER OF LOVE 

Before the King a woman came and cried, 
"Oh, King ! a priceless boon of thee I crave ; 

Fond Hope within my heart has almost died. 

My soul, o'erwhelmed, bows down beneath the 
wave." 



120 SONGS OF HOPE 

"Pray, tell me, mortal, what thou cravest so? 
What gift so fair that thou wouldst have me 
give, 
What flow'r doth in life's wondrous garden grow 
That thou wouldst pluck and bid with thee to 
live?" 



Then answer'd she : "Oh King, thou mighty King ! 

I crave a gift so precious and so rare 
I tremble at the thought of it, and bring 

My loving heart, and lay its secret bare. 



"I want, oh King, life's fairest flower — Love- 
That I may wear it proudly on my breast ! 

This flower planted by the Hand above, 
I want for aye, that all life may be blest. 



"I know that other flowers in fragrance bloom, 
Within this garden fair, and yet this one 

I crave, for with it all life's chill and gloom 
Shall be dispelled, as shadows by the sun." 



"Oh woman ! go thy way," spoke then the King : 
"Wait patiently the while, and trust in me. 

Wlien thou art ready I the gift will bring; 
And so, my answer rests alone with thee. 



"Prepare thy heart by kindly deeds of worth; 

Prepare thy life this gift to then receive, 
For this fair flower, whose bloom is not of earth 

Thou mayest wear, if thou wilt but believe!" 



SONGS OF HOPE 121 



FRIENDSHIP 

What meaneth it to be a friend, 

A friend sincere and true? 
It meaneth one who will defend, 

And trust us all life through. 

It meaneth one who will not doubt. 
Though all the world condemn ; 

Whose perfect love and trust shine out 
Like some rare, costly gem. 

It meaneth one who giveth self, 

And when the need is sore, 
Gives all, nor lets the thought of pelf 

Within love's sacred door. 

It meaneth sympathy and cheer, 
Through sorrow and through joy; 

A heart unto our own so near 
Naught can its trust destroy. 

It meaneth one who in his breast 

Will lock thy secret last ; 
One on whose love thy heart can rest, 

Through every stormy blast ! 

It meaneth one whose tender touch 
Can soothe and help thy pain ; 

One who will love and comfort much, 
Who faithful will remain ! 



122 SONGS OF HOPE 

God giveth friends with hearts of gold 

To weary mortals here, 
Whose petals white their leaves unfold, 

Revealing love sincere. 

Who hath a friend like this is rich 
Though earthly goods be few ; 

Nor any wealth can e'er enrich 
Like such a friendship true. 

If such a friend thou hast, oh clasp 
Him close with chains of steel ! 

Let nothing make thee lose thy grasp, 
Come woe to thee, or weal ! 



GOD KNOWS 

When friends misjudge, 'tis sweet to think God 
knows 

The secret motive of the inmost heart; 
When sorely pressed by enmity of foes. 

This knowledge gives us courage for our part. 

There's none but God can look beneath it all ; 

There's none but God can see each inmost 
thought. 
And on our hearts his wondrous peace shall fall, 

When all our needs to him are humbly brought. 

He knows why we, 'though craving sore for love. 
Will do the things that may instead bring hate; 

He know^s why, looking for the joy above, 

We shut ourselves outside of friendship's gate. 



SONGS OF HOPE 123 

What balm it gives our hearts, when loved ones 
chide, 

When friends turn from us on life's lonely way, 
To know that, whatsoever may betide, 

Our God will be our comfort and our stay ! 

God knows our hearts ; let this suffice to cheer 
And gladden us, as we walk by his side; 

Come storm or shine, his love is ever near. 

And he will through the tempest keep and guide. 

In that bright land beyond where all is love, 
We'll know as we are known, when heart to 
heart ; 

All clouds shall pass, and in the home above 
We all shall see alike, and no more walk apart. 



GOLDEN BELLS 

(To Rev. H. M. King and wife) 

You've journeyed many miles together 

In sunshine, and in stormy weather. 

O'er pathways smooth, through shady lanes. 

O'er rocky hills, and desert plains, 

And yet you've smiled, and loved and kept 

Your hearts in tune, e'en when you wept. 

Now at this milestone softly linger. 
While Memory, with her magic finger 
Points back across the fleeting years. 
Across the smiles, and joys and tears, 
To youthful days, when Love and Life 
Conspired to make you man and wife. 



124 SONGS OF HOPE 

How bright and fair this dream of beauty, 
When love was joy, and joy was duty ! 
Your hearts were Hght, your courage high, 
And hopes were born that could not die. 
For deathless Love began his reign, 
And softened care, and deadened pain. 

The years have passed, and in their keeping 
Are care and pain and bitter weeping. 
But joy, and hope and faith are there 
And bring reward for ev'ry care ; 
For Love doth lightly laugh at ill, 
And bids each anxious care be still. 

For fifty years you've been united, 
And kept the youthful vows you plighted ; 
You've cheered each other on life's way. 
And lived, and loved, and kept each day 
Your earnest faith and youthful zest. 
With all the things that make life best. 

God grant your journey may be longer, 
With love still true, and faith still stronger ; 
With pleasant days, and sunny skies. 
And loving hearts to sympathize ; 
And when the journey here is o'er, 
A home in Heav'n forevermore! 



THE LORD KEEPS WATCH ABOVE 

The Lord will watch between us, dear, 
While absent from each other, 

And bring thee back, I do not fear : 
He'll give us to each other. 



SONGS OF HOPE 125 

Though distant miles between us lie, 

And thee from me may sever, 
Within my heart, love, thou art nigh, 

And will be there forever. 



The God who watches over us 
Will keep us faithful ever. 

We'll leave each other in his trust. 
And doubt his power never. 

Within my heart I'll keep enshrined 
Thy image brightly, clearly, 

And when thou comest thou shalt find 
Me loving thee more dearly. 



THE LOVERS 

A youth with smiling, lovelit eyes. 
Declared, "My love is like a rose 

Half-blown, and so the charms I prize 
No careless passer ever knows." 

"My love is like a lily fair," 

Said one whose heart with love was warm ; 
"So pure she is 'twill be my care 

To shield from every passing storm." 

"Mine is a sunflower, bright and gay — 
Her charms the world can plainly see : 

She turns from every one away, 

And shows her care and love for me." 



126 SONGS OF HOPE c 

"My love's the violet so shy 1 

Who hides her w^orth and beauty rare 

From every idle passerby," 
Quoth one, "With subtle care. 

"I found this modest little flov^er 
While walking in the woodland shade, 

And shall transplant it to a bower 
That I, with tender care, have made." 

The youths dreamed on of rose so red. 

And gay sunflower, ever true; 
And lily fair, with stately head. 

And violet of azure hue. 

Each had a picture in his heart — 

A maiden fair, sweet and serene; 
And each a hope, of life a part — 

A dream of happy home and queen ! 



LOVE'S COMING 

At early morn a pilgrim gaily came 

Before the portals of a castle fair. 
And one within came forth with maiden shame. 

And question'd softly of him, "Who is there?" 

"Oh ! know you not that I am Love ?" he cried — 
"And would you wait to bid me enter in? 

You who have dream'd with vision glorified 
That love would come, and welcome entrance 
win." 



SONGS OF HOPE 127 

She swiftly flung the massive portals wide, 
And to her guest a welcome gave. She said : 

"Come in, fair Love, and in my home abide — 
Come in, for Doubt, unwelcome guest, has 
fled!" 



Then straight there enter'd one of lordly mien, 
And standing there, and looking on the maid, 

He cried, "Oh maid, the fairest I have seen ! 
I homage bring : be not at all dismayed." 

She ope'd for him the castle's treasures rare. 
And all her precious gems she showed to him. 

Save one, a pearl ; and this she would not share, 
For in her heart there lurked a shadow dim. 



When he grew weary how her heart was griev'd ! 

She saw he pined to once more wander free : 
At last she knew her foolish heart deceiv'd — 

She knew that Love like this could never be ! 



She said to him, "I wish you not to stay. 

Although awhile you brought me seeming joy. 

I long for you, so false, to ride away — 

Alas ! that you my peace should thus destroy." 

Another day there came a minstrel fair, 

And sang before the portals shut secure ; 
Such winning sweetness and such warmth were 
there 
She smiling came with heart made glad and 
sure. 



128 SONGS OF HOPE 

"Ah, you are Love ! I need no word to tell 
My waiting heart this message sweet and glad. 

You've come to stay — ah, Love, I know it well ! 
No more my life shall lonely be and sad." 



A MAIDEN'S SOLILOQUY 

(With Apologies to Shakespeare) 

To wed, or not to wed — that is the question. 
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer 
The slings and arrows of a curious public, 
Or to take arms against a sea of doubtings, 
And by opposing end them? 
To wed — to marry — 
And by a marriage say we end forever 
The heartache, and the woe of being called 
"Old maid" — 'tis a consummation 
Devoutly to be wished. To marry now — 
And then, perchance, regret? 
Aye, there's the rub! 

For in the bonds of union what dreams may come. 
When I have shuffled off, my maiden name 
Must have a pause : there's the solemn vow 
That makes calamity of a long, long life 
For those who bear regret within their hearts. 
The husband's rights, his mandates to obey. 
The pangs of disappointment at not having power 
Over him, as in the days of courtship — 
The indifference where once was adoration; 
The meetings at the club, where he, with other men 
The festive bowl imbibes, and in the wee small 
hours 



SONGS OF HOPE 129 

Comes home — the lecture of his "Better-half" to 

hear, 
Till he himself doth a quietus make 
By a profound and hateful snore ! Who'd these 

things bear 
But that the dread of being called "Old maid" — 
The jesting of the young, and pity of the old, 
The undiscovered future — from whose touch 
We shrink with doubt and fear — puzzles the will, 
And makes us rather bear those ills we have 
Than fly to others that we know not of? 
The public doth make cowards of us all : 
And thus the native state of "Single-blessedness" 
Is shunned by maidens ever young and old, 
And we regard the marriage tie a boon, 
And lose the ancestral name for that of some one 

else. 



A MESSAGE FROM MY HEART 

Oh, friend, if I could sit beside you at this hour. 
And let you feel my sympathetic touch, 

Some little word of mine might have the pow'r 
To comfort and console your spirit much. 



If I could say again the brave, true words that mean 
So much when spoken from the inmost heart, 

I might say something that would make your heart 
serene. 
And to your troubled spirit calm impart. 



130 SONGS OF HOPE 

But weary miles, and sad, between us lie tonight, 
And so, the words of cheer I cannot say 

As I would do, my friend, were you here in my 
sight, 
Instead of being dreary miles away ! 



If I could cause by any power, or wish of mine 
The blessings that you're longing for in vain, 

The light of love and peace would on your dark- 
ness shine, 
And joy replace the sad and lonely pain. 



Alas ! such blessings are not mine to give, oh, 
friend ! 
But God, your God, knows all your heart's desire, 
And he the fairest flowers of joy and peace can 
send. 
For all of Heaven and earth are in his power. 



Think you, my friend, he can withhold from you, 
for naught. 

The bliss for which your heart in longing cries, 
When every blessing that he gives to you is fraught 

With love, that reaches down and glorifies? 



Somehow, 'tis best, believe it, friend, with all your 
heart, 
And lean your weary head upon His breast ; 
Bid gloom, and fear, and anguish, evermore de- 
part, 
And hear Christ say, "Come unto me and rest." 



SONGS OF HOPE 131 



THE SECRET OF THE ROSE 

What secret lies within your heart? oh, rose! 

What lovely thoughts send forth aroma sweet? 
A secret 'tis no mortal being knows — 

I fain would know — the question, I repeat? 



Is it some lovely dream that hidden lies, 

Imprisoned in your heart's most sacred shrine? 

Is it some hope that breathes of Paradise — 

Some wondrous love that round your way doth 
shine ? 



It must be this — for what but love can give 
Such beauty and such fragrance all about? 

'Tis surely this — some love supreme doth live 
Imprisoned there, and sends its fragrance out ! 



This truth I know : God's love is written plain 
On each created thing he planted here; 

And through the gates of sacrifice and pain 
We learn to shed our fragrance far and near. 



The rose that blooms sheds forth its life as well — 
Its fragrance is the secret of its heart : 

It blooms to die, and yet it weaves a spell 
Of magic round us that can ne'er depart. 



132 SONGS OF HOPE 



SWEET CONTENT 

Friend, shall I wish yovi wealth? 

It might take wings and fly ; 
Or shall I wish you health? 

The healthy, too, must die. 
What shall I wish, instead ; 

What prayer shall I make 
To Heaven, that God may send 

In blessing for my sake? 

Oh, friend ! I wish indeed. 

That there shall e'er be sent 
The things your heart may need 

To bring you sweet content. 
Contentment is a flower 

That blooms for hearts that love. 
In lady's fragrant bower. 

Or in the courts above. 



THE TRUE ALONE ABIDES 

We make so many friendships through the year; 
We talk together of our hopes and fears. 
We think these friends shall never be forgot — 
The years pass on, and we remember not. 

The ties are broken by our changing fates. 
The way is barr'd by Time's unyielding gates, 
We miss, how sadly, for a little while 
The kindly word, the tender, loving smile. 



SONGS OF HOPE 133 

But time goes on, and many pass from sight, 
Tho' mem'ry for a time will keep all bright; 
Soon other friendships more than take the place 
Of those whose going leaves so faint a trace. 



We are not fickle that we soon forget 

Some friends of youth on whom our hearts were 

set; 
Oh no, the years and silence twixt us roll'd, 
And left behind but friendship's purest gold. 



Yes, some remain — the friends most tried and true. 
Not many ties can our hearts cleave unto, 
So few, that through all change of time and space, 
Forever in our hearts shall keep their place. 



So few congenial souls that bind us fast 

With cords of love that will forever last. 

We've friends, yes many, that we wish God-speed, 

Yet few there are that fill our deepest need. 



To part from such a friend is trial sore. 
For we cannot forget, and what is more. 
We would not if we could ; so through all space. 
We long to see the dear, familiar face. 



Such tender friendships are not born to die; 
They're given here our lives to glorify. 
And when we go to live in realms above. 
Great, joy 'twill be to meet with those we love. 



134 SONGS OF HOPE 



A WISH 

A life by love unblest 
Is full of vague unrest, 
'Tis full of lonely care, 
With no dear friend to share 
The sorrows and the joys. 

May this lot ne'er be mine, 
May love upon me shine, 
In dreary days when sad. 
In sunny days when glad, 
May true love always bless. 

And when this life is o'er, 
And I can feel no more. 
May friendly hands compose 
My body's last repose. 
And lay me down to rest ! 



THE LAND BEYOND 

With songs of rejoicing around the great throne, 

With glory and honor praise, 
In mansions of beauty reserved for His own, 

We shall live with the Savior always. 



SONGS OF HOPE 137 



THE DEAR ONES "OVER THERE" 

Oh, could I send a message to the dear ones 

"Over there" 
'Twould lessen many sorrows, and soothe my every 

care! 
'Twould bring me sweetest comfort along life's 

rugged way, 
And fit me for the living of life's simple every day. 

I'd tell them how I missed them, and how my 

heart was sore 
For the sight of my beloved ones who came to me 

no more; 
I'd tell them how the longing for them sometimes, 

made me sad; 
How to lovingly caress them would always make 

me glad. 

I'd tell them though the years had in silence flitted 
by 

Since the love-hght for me had beamed from lov- 
ing eye, 

That I kept in memory all the sweetness that life 
knew, 

When they lived to love me fondly with the heart 
so true. 

I'd tell them that for me life had lost some of its 

zest 
Since they left life's dusty highway, and entered 

into pest. 



138 SONGS OF HOPE 

Though longing for them evermore, yet I'd not call 

them back 
From joys that never end — where they never suffer 

lack. 

I'd tell them that the loved ones who were left 

on earth to me 
Were fondly prized and cherished more than they 

used to be. 
For loss of them has taught me these might be 

snatched away, 
And memory of unkind words would rankle every 

day. 



"I SHALL BE SATISFIED" 

In looking back o'er life on earth, 

At rest on Canaan's side, 
As naught will seem its grief and mirth- 

I shall be satisfied. 

Life's grief and cares shall all be o'er, 

No evil shall betide; 
Midst Heaven's joys forevermore, 

I shall be satisfied. 

No more of sin and sorrow there; 

All tears shall then be dried. 
Within that land where all is fair 

I shall be satisfied. 

Each earthly fetter broken when 

I cast earth-life aside, 
In Heaven I shall be happy then — 

I shall be satisfied. 



SONGS OF HOPE 139 

Beyond the skies I'll meet my Lord, 

And with him there abide, 
With all the saints in sweet accord, 

I shall be satisfied. 



THE JOYS UNKNOWN 

I know not what my name shall be 
When I shall cross life's narrow sea, 
But Qirist has promised to His own, 
A new name on a pure white stone. 

I know not what song I shall sing 
When I shall stand before my King; 
But I shall join in songs of praise 
To Him who kept me all my days. 

I know not what the robe I'll wear, 
Save that it shall be wondrous fair; 
For He shall clothe in spotless white 
Each one who walks in His glad light. 

I know not what my change shall be 
When, clothed in immortality, 
This body shall be glorified 
When in His presence I abide. 

I know not what heaven's joys shall be 
Nor what glad hope shall bloom for me. 
But filled with rapture rare and sweet, 
My King shall make my joy complete. 



140 SONGS OF HOPE 

And to those heavenly mansions fair 
I shall not give one anxious care, 
For He has built them for His own, 
And thus His loving-kindness shown. 

I know not half the radiance bright 
That shines within that home of light. 
But this I know — the Lamb shall be 
Our light throughout eternity ! 



THE LOVED ONES GONE BEFORE 

How strange it is when those we love, 
Whose life so close to ours has grown, 

Are called away to God above, 
And we are left to grieve alone ! 

How hard it is! yet we must bear 
The desolation and the pain; 

The world around us yet is fair, 
And seems to mock our grief as vain. 

They were to us so near and dear — 
Aye, dearer than our lips can say ! 

Of what avail the sigh and tear. 

They've passed from us in peace away. 

Our hearts may break, they do not heed: 
They cannot know how much we long 

To hear again the voice we need 
To fill our lives with happy song. 



SONGS OF HOPE 141 

With sinking hearts, beneath the sod 
We lay them, weeping as we see 

The grave close over them. Oh God, 
Help us to bring our grief to thee! 

Dear Lord, Who taketh them away, 
Help us to see Thy will is best. 

And let us meet them on that day 
When we shall enter into rest ! 



THE MANY MANSIONS 

I have a mansion rich and fair 

Which Christ my Lord, with wondrous care, 

Has gone to heaven to prepare. 

No architect hath ever planned 

A mansion half so bright and grand. 

As that for me, at God's right hand. 

This mansion never will decay 
Like earthly homes, and pass away. 
But ever beautiful will stay. 

There's one for all of us who know 
A Savior's love, and feel the glow 
Of heaven, in this world below. 

Oh mansions fair ! Oh place prepared ! 
For all who have in Christ's love shared, 
And for the things of heaven cared ! 



142 SONGS OF HOPE 

Throughout one glad, eternal day 
Within these mansions we shall stay, 
And praise and worship God alway! 



THE NEW JERUSALEM 

When daily cares surround my life. 

And joys seem small and few; 
When thorns along my path are rife, 

And all things seem untrue, 
'Tis then I turn me to God's word, 

And read its pages through. 
Though oft its promises I've heard, 

They're always fresh and new. 

I read how sin shall all be slain. 

The darkness flee away; 
How God will banish ev'ry pain. 

How grief no more shall stay. 
I read how glorious the light. 

As clear as jasper stone; 
How there shall be no dreary night, 

And life no more be lone. 



I read how all who trust His grace 

A crown of life shall wear; 
That they shall look upon his face. 

And find a blessing there. 
Then peace from God comes o'er my heart, 

And life is full of light; 
All grief and loneliness depart. 

And all the way is bright. 



SONGS OF HOPE 143 



Oh, home of Hght! who doth not long 

To in thy walls abide, 
And sing with all the ransomed throng, 

"The Lamb for us had died?" 
No darkness ever cometh there, 

For God himself is light ; 
And all things bright and good and fair 

Give ransomed souls delight. 



"SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS' 

"Safe in the arms of Jesus" 

Was sung o'er a still, cold form, 

And loved ones, broken-hearted, 
Were swept by sorrow's storm. 

The saddest of the number, 
Who had most cause to weep. 

Must hide her pain and anguish — 
Her sorrow wild and deep. 

"Safe in the arms of Jesus," 
His soul had gone to rest: 

Her heart was full of longing 
For Him her heart loved best. 



She stilled her moans of anguish, 
And hushed her heart's sad cry; 

But 'neath the outward seeming, 
She prayed that she might die. 



144 SONGS OF HOPE 

She gladly would have welcomed 
Death's kiss upon her cheek, 

That she might journey onward, 
Her loved one's soul to seek. 



But "Safe in the arms of Jesus, 
Safe on his gentle breast" 

His soul, once tossed by tempests, 
Had fled to lasting rest. 



She could not follow thither, 
Though longing sore for rest. 

She cried wnth grief and heartache, 
"Return, thou first and best !" 



Back from the place they laid him 
She came, yet longed to stay : 

Her heart in silence breaking 
When daylight fled away. 



She gazed out on the Heavens 
When stars were shining clear, 

And longed to hear a message 
From him, her heart to cheer. 



The stars shone on in splendor, 
No message cheered her heart: 

"There, by God's love o'ershaded," 
Reposed his soul and heart. 



SONGS OF HOPE 145 



WHEN THE SUiMMONS COMES 

It may be at dawn when the sun is first beaming, 
And valley and hill-top with beauty is gleaming, 
That my summons shall come — for I cannot tell, 
But my Lord will be with me, and all shall be well. 

It may be at noon, when the sun in its splendor 
Is flooding the earth with its light warm and 

tender, 
When that radiant light shall break on my soul, 
As round me the waters of Jordan shall roll. 

It may be at evening, when daylight is dying. 
And round me so softly the zephyrs are sighing. 
That my soul shall depart from its mansion of 

clay, 
To live in a palace that fades not away. 

It may be at midnight, when darkness and chill 
Shall brood over all, and with loneliness fill. 
But still in the shadow a voice soft and dear 
Shall speak to my heart, and I shall not fear. 

Though my flesh in its weakness draws back from 

the brink, 
God's grace shall uphold me, and I shall not sink, 
For He will be with me — oh mercy untold, 
And carry me tenderly into the fold ! 



MISCELLANEOUS 

Here's a smile and a tear, 
And a word of good cheer, 

For all those who will linger to read 
Here's a heart full of love. 
And glad hope from above, 

And a smile for the spirit in need. 



SONGS OF HOPE 149 



AUTUMN 

When summer flowers are dying, 

And autumn cometh on ; 
When winds are sadly sighing, 

And sunny skies are gone, 
How pleasant 'tis to wander 

Among the forest trees, 
And o'er the hours ponder 

That we have known like these. 



I think of spring departed, 

Of summer's golden noon. 
Till growing heavy-hearted 

That autumn comes so soon. 
My heart grows faint with longing, 

And sadness fills my breast, 
Till other thoughts come thronging, 

And speak of peace and rest. 



Such hopeful thoughts come stealing, 

And whisper to my heart; 
They banish somber feeling, 

And bid my care depart. 
I know that spring, returning, 

Will bring the flow'rs once more. 
And all forebodings spurning. 

My doubts and fears are o'er. 



150 SONGS OF HOPE 



BIRTHDAY WISHES 
(For Eunice) 

I wish for you a life of noble worth, 

Not wholly joy, but slightly mingled through 

With sun and shadow, while you live on earth, 
For only sun would not be good for you. 



The flowers would not their fragrant blossoms give 
If night came not to softly 'round them fold 

Her sable mantle oft', that they might live — 
Yet sunshine also brings its robe of gold. 



So, in our lives, God sends his clouds to test 
Our strength and faith ; and sometimes storms 
appear ; 

And night he gives, wherein our hearts may rest 
In peace on him, and lay aside all fear. 



May sunshine ever in your life prevail, 

And only clouds and storms enough appear 

Your heart to soften, yet your faith not fail, 
And may you read your heavenly titles clear. 



The Lord appoints the way for you to go. 

Oh, may you walk therein, in perfect peace ! 
Content that he, your Father, wills it so — 

And trustins: him till life on earth shall cease. 



SONGS OF HOPE 151 



THE CITY'S TURMOIL 

The noise of the city is round me, 

Its tumult, its dust and its din. 
But with a cahn heart it has found me, 

And quiet and peace are within. 

I see the busy crowd going 

On business, and pleasure intent. 

Some young, and with faces all glowing. 
And some old, wrinkled, and bent. 

And some are thinking of pleasure, 
While some are tortured by pain, 

And others are dreaming of treasure 
Which some day they hope to obtain. 

Some pass who are anxious and weary, 
'Tis shown by a sigh or a frown ; 

Life's path to them appears dreary, 

And with anxious care they're bowed down? 

Oh beings with spirits immortal ! 

Cast off your burdensome care. 
And enter the beautiful portal 

Of peace — for the Master is there! 

Forget not the King in his glory. 
For all of this earth's fleeting toys; 

Take time to hear the sweet story. 
And learn to partake of his joys. 



152 SONGS OF HOPE 

Oh you who are eagerly straining 
For the riches this earth-life can give ! 

What matters the wealth you are gaining? 
Not long to enjoy it you live. 

Lay up for yourselves better treasure 
That thieves can take not away; 

And peace, that passeth all measure, 
Shall abide in your glad hearts alway. 



THE FLEETING DAY 

There's a glow in the east — it is morning so clear: 

Let us look to the hills for our aid ; 
Let us cast from our hearts ev'ry shadow of fear, 

And go forth in his strength unafraid. 

Bid the shadows depart, for the day dawneth bright ; 

There is work in God's world for us all : 
Let us go to our work in his strength and his 
might, 

He will never permit us to fall. 

There's a glow in the west as the night draweth 
nigh. 

There are clouds of white, crimson, and gold; 
Oh, how sad that the beautiful day has to die, 

Whose advent we rejoiced to behold ! 

We must lay by our work as the darkness comes on. 
Though 'tis work that we long to complete ; 

For our hands cannot work when the daylight is 
gone. 
And the shadows fall 'round us so fleet. 



SONGS OF HOPE 153 



GOD GAVE: HE TOOK AWAY 

Your little one sleeps, soft and mild, 

The sleep that will not wake 
For all your tears and anguish wild, 

And all your sad heartache. 

Oh who can cheer and comfort now 

The lonely mother-heart! 
Oh who can know your grief, and how 

She seemed of life a part! 

Dear friend, no real comfort lies 
In friends' kind, soothing ways. 

Though well, and dearly you may prize 
The same, for many days. 

God only can your stay and strength. 

And Comforter now be; 
And bring your lonely heart at length, 

The good in this to see. 

Beneath you are His tender arms, 
And 'neath you they will stay, 

'Tis He alone that soothes and charms 
Your grief and pain away. 

Your little one has from you gone 

To live in realms above. 
And for you, too, the day shall dawn 

To go to those you love. 



154 SONGS OF HOPE 

God took your radiant jewel rare, 
To Heaven, for His own; 

And she, with other loved ones there. 
Will shine around His throne. 



We know not what awaited her 

Of future grief or care ; 
What sorrows deep her heart might stir, 

Or what pain she would bear. 

But now no storms can ever break 

Upon her life's fair shore; 
And though you're lonely for her sake, 

For her all pain is o'er. 

God gave — He took the babe away. 
Shall we not bless His name? 

Though He our hearts may well-nigh slay- 
We'll trust Him just the same! 



GOD'S HANDIWORK 

I sit on my porch, as the day is declining, 
And up in the heavens the bright stars are shining; 
The moon has now risen, in beauty and splendor, 
To flood all the earth with her light soft and tender. 

Just over the way there, my neighbor is playing. 
And soft to my ears now the clear notes are stray- 
ing; 
They steal on the air with a beauty entrancing, 
The peace and the joy of all nature enhancing. 



SONGS OF HOPE 155 

See now the moon's risen, and softly is sailing 
The ocean of space with it's glory unfailing; 
Majestic in beauty, the fair queen seems smiling 
With tenderness on us, all sad thoughts beguiling. 



Oh, beautiful night ! with your own peaceful token, 
How oft' through your wonders the Master had 

spoken 
To hearts dull'd by listening to earth's ruder voices, 
And therefore untuned when all nature rejoices! 



The firmament showeth the hand of Jehovah 
Who saw it was good, when His work was all over, 
And man cannot spoil it, for these lights are given 
To light up our way on the pathway to Heaven. 



AN INCIDENT 

'Twas Sunday morn : within the house of pray'r 

We bowed, while, with a fervent plea to God, 
His servant asked for his continued care, 

And thanked him for the paths that we had 
trod— 
Paths rough or smooth, as God saw fit for us ! 



And as he pray'd I lowly bowed my head — 
My heart, I fear, not filled with love divine- 

A little maiden seated just ahead 

Turned quietly, and slipt her hand in mine — 
A touch as light and soft as angels' wings. 



156 SONGS OF HOPE 

It moved my heart — this soft confiding touch — 

I rais'd my eyes, and caught a roguish smile, 

And thought of what the Master said, "Of such 

As these," without a thought of pride or guile, 

"The Kingdom is." Oh, words of wisdom 

rare! 



Dear, little hands that ne'er have reach'd in vain 

To pluck the flow'rs that bloom along life's way ! 

Dear little heart, that ne'er has felt the pain 

And sorrow that is waiting you some day — 

God grant that you may find a wealth of 

flow'rs ! 

Dear little feet, that ne'er have wander'd yet 
In paths unknown, where many pitfalls are ! 

Through all the snares that may your path beset, 
I pray that God may leave the gates ajar, 
And send his angels to protect your way. 

And as for me, I place my hand in his, 
And lovingly confide to him my all, 

For he my Guide and loving Father is. 
I shall not fear, whatever may befall. 
For he is mine, and so the way is fair! 



"I WILL NOT LET THEE GO" 

My heart looks up to thee. 
Thou God of all the earth. 

Let me thy glory see, 

And thy exceeding worth ! 



SONGS OF HOPE 157 

I come with all my fears, 
Midst every grief and woe, 

"Unless thou bless me, Lord, 
I will not let thee go." 

No merit would I claim 

By which to ask thy aid; 
I only urge the Name 

That all my ransom paid. 
The clouds around are dark, 

The winds of sorrow blow, 
"Unless thou bless me. Lord, 

I will not let thee go." 

Oh give me faith and hope 

That I may lean on thee ! 
Nor in the darkness grope — 

'Tis dark; I cannot see. 
Oh Father, hold my hand, 

And guide me here below ! 
"Unless thou bless me. Lord, 

I will not let thee go." 



IN DARKNESS 

In silence and darkness I'm sitting tonight. 

And longing for healing again ; 
I must shut from my eyes every vestige of light. 

And my vision is darkened by pain. 

How lightly we value the blessings received, 
How thoughtless and careless of pain, 

Till we, by some affliction bereaved. 
See our blessings beginning to wane. 



158 SONGS OF HOPE 

Oh Lord, make me glad, whatever befall, 
For dost thou not care for me still? 

When peace brings its mantle, or sorrow its pall. 
There's peace for me in thy will. 



In the darkness with God ! how much better indeed, 
Than without him in joy and in light; 

rd rather be bound, with Jesus to lead 
Than be free in my own human might. 



IN MEMORY OF J. N. HALL 

A mighty man— a man of God, 
Has passed from earthly care, 

And on the path that he has trod, 
God's light shines wondrous fair. 

We would not question thee, great King, 
Through falling tears we say, 

"Thy will be done," and humbly cling 
To thee on this sad day! 

I knew him from my childhood days, 

And loved him all the years. 
And I would add my meed of praise — 

My offering of tears. 

He was a preacher, matchless, grand, 
Who humbly walked with God, 

With truth and right he took his stand, 
Though rough the path he trod. 



SONGS OF HOPE 159 

For many could not understand 

How he could chide the sin 
That lies about on ev'ry hand, 

Yet keep serene within. 

His heart was full of kindly cheer, 

Nor anger marred his soul; 
Yet he knew naught of coward fear, 

That coward hearts control. ■ 

Oh, he was brave to fight the wrong 

And daring for the right ! 
His love was deep, his faith was strong, 

He labored with his might ! 

Now he has gone the years shall tell 

His life was not in vain. 
And we shall see that it was well — 

His living was our gain. 

Brave man of God ! rest, now, in peace, 

Thy warfare all is o'er; 
God took thee home, where sorrows cease, 

And thou shalt toil no more ! 

Thy glad reward, oh, who can tell 

What is reserved for thee 
Who freely sowed the seed each day, 

For all eternity? 

And thou canst say. like Paul, of old, 

"A good fight I have fought : 
I've kept the faith. In Heaven's fold 

I've found the rest I've sought." 



i6o SONGS OF HOPE 



JEST SETTIN' IN THE SUN 

I'm jest a doin' nothin' but settin' in the sun, 
These cool and chilly mornin's when winter's jest 

begun ; 
Everybody's mighty busy: it seems amazin' queer 
To be a doin' nothin' but jest a settin' here. 

I've done a lot of workin', with but mighty little 

play; 
I guess the sayin's true enough that "All dogs 

have their day?" 
I didn't have no easy time when I was jest a pup, 
For times was hard, and money scarce, when I 

was growin' up. 

I guess I'm jest about worked out, as far as I can 

tell, 
And so I'm jest a settin' here, a restin' fur a spell; 
I tell you what, I wouldn't mind a doin' of some 

work, 
Although I've had a lot to do, I'm not a hand to 

shirk. 

And yet, it's mighty pleasant, jest settin' in the sun, 
A feelin' good and rested because your work is 

done; 
I've always tried to do my work the very best I 

could, 
And knowin' this down in my heart, does me a 

lot of good. 



SONGS OF HOPE i6i 

I've saved enough to keep us well the balance of 

our days, 
For wife and me, we haven't learned no high 

falutin' ways, 
The chillun all are settled in places of their own, 
For one by one they went away, and left us here 

alone. 



The chillun think we ought to live with some of 

them, they say. 
But wife and me, we'd rather not, and so at home 

we stay. 
Sam Plunkett's gal, who's got no home, she jest 

stays here with us 
A doin' up the work so neat, without a bit of fuss ; 



And everything about the place jest seems to 

smile and say 
"You know you'd miss us if you left, so you had 

better stay" ; 
And wife she says she thinks that folks that's plain, 

like her and me, 
Had better stay where everything's jest to our taste, 

you see. 



And so I'm doin' nothin' much, but settin' in the 

sun 
A takin' life right easy now, since all my work 

is done: 
It seems a mighty pity I didn't take some rest. 
And have a little breathin' spell when life was at 

its best. 



i62 SONGS OF HOPE 

I tell the boys, "Don't work too hard, but take 

some rest in time. 
And have a little fun along while life is in its 

prime" ; 
I tell the gals, God bless their souls, to "Leave off 

furbelows, 
And let the youngsters all put up with plainer food 

and clothes." 

But folks don't learn much by advice, each has to 

try, himself. 
And jest begins to learn good sense when laid upon 

the shelf. 
I reckon "Young folks will be young" — and old 

folks will be old, 
But that don't matter, so their hearts are made of 

fust-class gold. 

Some day, 'fore long I'll be call'd home from all 

these earthly things, 
And God will send his angels down to bear me on 

their wings. 
And take me where folks don't wear out, nor e'en 

grow old and gray. 
But jest stay young forevermore, through one 

eternal day! 



LET ME REST IN THEE 

Father, give this grace to me — 
Just to trust my all to thee; 
May no inward thought rebel, 
For thou doest all things well. 
And thy will is best. 



SONGS OF HOPE 163 

May no human mood or ill 
Vex my heart, but may I still 
Cling to thee and trust thy care 
To fulfill my earnest pray'r, 
For thou knowest all. 

Let my heart, I pray thee, lie 
Open ever to thine eye ; 
And no conflict sweep my soul. 
And no fearful billows roll, 
But thy care protects. 

Give me perfect trust in thee. 
Let thy peace abide in me, 
While I wait thy blessed will 
Ev'ry need, O Lord! fulfill 
When thou seest best. 



THE MOUNTAINS 

Before my gaze the mountains rise, 
Some clothed in verdant hue, 

And some more distant, greet my eyes, 
Enwrapped in haze of blue. 

These mountains tower high above 

The foothills at their feet; 
They seem the very skies to love. 

As Heaven they strive to greet. 

Mount Pisgah, highest of these peaks, 

Lifts up her eager face 
Above the rest, as though she seeks 

To keep them in their place. 



i64 SONGS OF HOPE 

Fair Pisgah, namesake of the height 
Where Moses' raptured eyes 

Gazed out on Canaan with delight — 
With longing and surprise! 



She stands on tiptoe, with her head 

Among the clouds at times; 
But when the clouds from her have fled 

It seems she upward climbs. 



Oh mountains ! rising sheer and high, 

And lifting longing gaze 
Up to the azure of the sky 

Throughout the waiting days. 



You teach my soul a nobler hope, 

And make my heart aspire 
To lift my thoughts, while here I grope, 

To heights that I desire ! 



Teach me to read from Nature's book 
The lessons I should know, 

And help my soul to upward look, 
While nobler far I grow. 



Teach me the truth, oh lasting hills ! 

That I can rise above 
The tumult of life's daily ills, 

To hope and faith and love. 



SONGS OF HOPE 165 



MY PRAYER 

There is a legend that an angel fair, 

Sandalphon, with sweet patience ever waits 

To catch from earth each mortal's earnest prayer, 
And bring it safely in the heavenly gates : 

These prayers change swift to lovely, fragrant 
flowers 

Fit to adorn those pure and radiant bowers. 

A legend 'tis, and yet 'tis pleasing quite 

To think our prayers, so ignorant and weak. 

Should in the angel's charge be fair and bright 
Before they reach to Him for whom they seek. 

Ah, prayer of mine! fain would I make complete 

My earnest plea, and lay it at His feet. 

If there should come Sandalphon to my side, 

And say, "Oh, give it me! and I 
Will send it up lest some sad fate befall 

And thou shouldst lose it now, twixt earth and 
sky — 
So give it me — thy heart's intense desire" ; 
Think you I'd wait? nay, this I'd not require. 

Straight I would say, "Take this fond prayer of 
mine 

And lay it at my heavenly Father's feet, 
Changed into flowers by that art of thine. 

Yes, into lilies pure and fair and sweet"; 
And He who knows all that has ever been 
Would look on them, and see my prayer within. 



i66 SONGS OF HOPE 



THE NEW YEAR 

'Tis dead the Old Year lies in state 
The New Year stands within the gate : 
We cry, as him we gladly view, 
"Ring out the Old, ring in the New !" 

And yet there comes a vague regret 
Within our hearts. We can't forget 
The joys the past Year to us brought, 
The days with sweetest mem'ries fraught. 

The old Year brought, as well as joy, 
Some thorns of care that gave annoy; 
And from us took some hopes most rare, 
And gave us much of anxious care. 

But we forgive him now he's dead, 
And breathe a sigh o'er joys now fled; 
And on his brow we press a kiss, 
Because he brought us much of bliss. 

Now to the New Year we address 
A strong petition: "New Year bless 
Our hearts that wait, and bring us joy, 
And let no ill our peace destroy. 

"Oh glad New Year! we've waited long 
For Peace to sing her wondrous song; 
And for Despair and Hope-Deferred 
To speed away! Our pray'r be heard." 



SONGS OF HOPE 167 



REGRET 

Oh Lord, forgive me that I am so slow 
To give my aid to those who are thine own, 

Give me a wilHng heart that I may go 

To comfort those whose hearts are sad and lone. 

I am so careless, I with shame confess — 
With shame and sorrow in my inmost heart ; 

Enlarge my heart that I may cheer and bless 
The lonely hearts that feel pain's cruel smart. 

A lonely life — a life by pain beset, 

God put within my reach, that I might give 

Some cheer and comfort in his pain, and yet 
I did it not : oh God ; wilt thou forgive ? 

And now the chance has gone; for he has pass'd 
From out this life: his sufferings are o'er; 

He dwelleth now with thee — thy love so vast 
Enfolds him on that rapture-smitten shore. 

How many lives I might have cheer'd and bless'd, 
That have gone on in loneliness and woe ! 

How many hearts I might have taught to rest 
Upon thy love, while walking here below ! 

Forgive me Lord, and open thou mine eyes 
That I may see the path of duty clear. 

That I may see the work that round me lies, 
And show the desolate thy love and cheer. 



i68 SONGS OF HOPE 



SITTING AT THY FEET 

I sit within my darkened room, 
While to my heart there dings 

A tinge of sadness and of gloom 
That darkness often brings. 

And while within this room I wait, 

With idly folded hands, 
Till light shall bless my darkened state, 

And pain shall loose its bands. 

Like blind Bartimeus I cry, 

"Lord, to me healing give. 
And bless me, as thou passest by, 

That joy within shall live !" 

There is so much I long to do. 
So much demands my care. 

My loved ones' wants to hearken to, 
And household burdens bear. 

Lord can it be that I have been 
Encumbered with much care; 

And failed too oft to enter in 
The secret place of prayer? 

Dost thou not say unto my heart 

As once at Bethany 
Thou saidst to Martha of her part. 

Of serving carefully — 



SONGS OF HOPE 169 

"Careful thou art of many things, 

But needest yet to know 
Mary's own part, which comfort brings, 

And makes the heart to glow ?" 

Shall I not sit at thy dear feet. 

And humbly learn of thee 
The joy of blest communion sweet, 

And what glad trust may be? 

Oh may I choose the better part 

Of waiting on thy will ; 
And speak thou to my restless heart 

Thy tender, "Peace, be still!" 



THE THREE CROWNS 

I ask'd of Joy a crown of beauty rare, 

Set round with brilliant gems of dazzling hue; 

I would not walk with Sorrow or with Care, 
But Joy should be my friend, my journey through. 

Joy smiled on me, and placed with tender care 
This golden crown my waiting brow upon, 

Oh, never friend seemed half so kind and fair 
As he, who had this deed so gracious done! 

And so I walked with Joy along the way — 
So short a way it seemeth now to me ; 

Life was to me a happy, carefree day — 

Oh, day supreme, that no more now can be! 



170 SONGS OF HOPE 

The days went by, and Joy would wander oft! 

And leave my heart alone and full of pain, 
Yet coming back with footsteps low and soft, 

He'd make me feel my pain and grief were vain. 

There came a time when he went far away, 
And took my crown — my radiant crown — with 
him! 

Oh dreary time ! oh lonely, bitter day ! 
I wept for him with aching eyes, and dim. 

Then some one came beside me, and I turn'd 
And saw with tear dimm'd eyes lone Sorrow 
there — 
Grave Sorrow who so often I had spurn'd, 
When life seem'd full of all things bright and 
fair. 



He placed a crown of thorns upon my brow, 
And said, "Wear this, 'tis better so, oh friend ! 

Thou'll see hereafter, though thou canst not now. 
So hush thy grief, and take what God shall 
send." 

And so I walked with Sorrow many days, 
Ah long, long days of weariness and pain! 

No flowers appear'd through all the gloomy maze, 
And gladness died, and even hope seemed vain. 

Then Sorrow wandered, sometimes, from my side. 
But came again, just as I learn'd to smile. 

He did not in my presence e'er abide, 

But wandered from me every little while. 



SONGS OF HOPE 171 

Then one sweet day he took away my crown — 
The crown of thorns that pierced my aching 
brow, 

And said, "Thou needest it no more ; I've found 
Some other crown will best befit thee now." 

Then white-robed Peace, came softly unto me, 
And pressed a kiss where cruel thorns had been, 

And said, "I have a blessed crown for thee 
Set round with pearls — it is for those who win !" 

So now I wear it as I walk wath Peace, 
And calmly go along the King's highw^ay, 

And so I hope to walk till earth-life cease, 
And I shall reach the land of endless day! 



UNCLE NED'S DISAPPOINTMENT 

Oh no, dar aint a gwine to be no weddin' here to- 
night, 

And anybody'tsay dar is, is spilin' fur a fight; 

I told dat valler nigger Sam he couldn't have my 
Sal,' 

And so I spec he's lookin' now to find anudder gal ; 

"And whar is Sallie," did you say? Well, I jes' 

lock'd her in 
To keep her feet from wand'rin' off, a temptin' her 

to sin; 
I'm gwine to rule my own househol' wid none to 

interfere. 
And so dat low-down nigger Sam must quit a 

comin' here. 



172 SONGS OF HOPE 

I didn't raise Sal fur no dude who don't know how 

to wurk, 
My gals dey've larnt to wash and scrub, and never 

once to shirk ; 
Day's smart as any nigger roun', an Sal's good- 

lookin' too — 
The white folks say she favors me, an' I believe 

she do. 

I ain't no han' to put on airs, I'se jest plain "Nig- 
ger Ned," 

And I don't like dat Sam aroun', a rarin' back his 
head 

And sayin' what he's goin' to do to help his brudder 
man, 

And larn de cullerd race dat da is got to take a 
Stan'. 

De "cullerd race" don't need no help frum niggers 

like Sam Brown, — 
He calls his-self J. Samuel, — and 'cause he comes 

frum town 
He thinks he knows more dan we all, an' says 

we won't get rich 
Unless we stop our foolishness, — hard workin, an' 

all sich. 

He says "Our race is boun' to rise, and show what 

dey can do," 
But us ole fokes don't pay no heed, we know his 

words aint true; 
I said to Sal when she tole us — "Dat Sam is jes' 

a fool — 
Somebody ought to soak his head, an' try to get 

it cool." 



SONGS OF HOPE 173 

Sal's chang'd a lot sence he come roun', an' tries 

to talk so gran' 
'Bout "Mancipation uv de race," an' how we ought 

to Stan' 
Fur one anudder in de strife, and rise to higher 

things. 
You'd think to hear my Sallie talk, "De face" had 

sprouted wings. 

I had de white folks write to town to fin' 'bout 

Samuel Brown, 
An' what d'yoii think come back to dem, but I 

aint tole it roun' — 
J. Samuel Brown had run away to keep frum goin' 

to jail. 
And his ole daddy hustled roun', and tole him jes 

to "sail." 



What dat I hear ? Dar's cur'us sounds aroun' about 

the house, 
An Sallie's settin' in her room, as still as any mouse ; 
Melindy Ann, sposin you go, an' see what she's 

about — 
Dat no-count Sam ain't in the house, but maybe 

he's jes' out. 

"Sal aint in dar"? Melindy Ann, don't fool me, is 

it true? 
Fur sho' she ainth Whar can she he? Oh Sallie, 

whar is you? 
I hear a soun' way down de road, I think it's buggy 

wheels, 
That no-count nigger's got my gal, an' taking to 

his heels. 



174 SONGS OF HOPE 

I'm gwine to foller dem right up — what is it, Lindy 

Ann? 
Oh yes, my rheumatiz is bad, but you can't spect 

a man 
To give right up, and let 'em go without a single 

word — 
Dis trick of Sal's beats all the tricks 'bout which 

I've ever heard! 

"She lef a note"? What do she say? jes' read it 

double quick. 
An' tell me now what made 'em play dis low-down' 

sneakin' trick; 
She says she's "Gone wid Samuel to 'mancipate de 

race?"— 
If I had him I'd mancipate de nose clean off his 

face! 

De low-down thing a comin' here, a stealin' of 

my gal. 
The likliest one that I have got — my little darter 

Sal! 
Well, she don't know what she's about; she'll have 

to hustle roun' 
To help keep up dat triflin' Sam ; fur now he's got 

her boun'. 

Say, Brudder Johnson, don't you say what I told 

you 'bout Sam 
A tryin' to keep from goin to jail, fur it would be 

a slam 
On Sallie and de rest of us — I wants to take her 

part. 
An' try to help her all I can, altho' she's broke my 

heart. 



SONGS OF HOPE 175 



"THE VISION SPLENDID" 

What is "The vision splendid" 
Before thy eyes ? oh youth ! — 

What hopes have thee attended — 
What dreams of love and truth ? 

Dost dream of fame eternal — 
Dost dream of wondrous wealth ? 

Dost dream of bliss supernal — 
Of love, and joy, and health? 

Oh, fame is dream delusive ! 

And wealth brings anxious care, 
And bliss oft-times illusive. 

And health eludes thy pray'r. 

Seek thou, in youth's beginning, 
The Kingdom of thy Lord, 

E'er weak and faint with sinning, 
Life is a sad discord. 

Then highest vision breaking 

Upon thy happy heart. 
Thy pow'rs for good awaking, 

Ne'er let thy joy depart. 

So shall "The vision splendid" 
Crown heart and soul with joy, 

And thou shalt be attended 
With peace naught can destroy. 



176 SONGS OF HOPE 



WE MEET ALL KINDS OF FOLKS 

A trav'ling there, and trav'ling here, 

And goin' to and fro, 
You meet some folks that's awful queer 

In this old world below. 

You meet some folks who smile so sweet, 

And talk so soft and low 
You'd think they never could be beat — 

With them you have no show. 

But take 'em early, take 'em late, 
And watch 'em up and down. 

You'll find they don't always walk straight 
As some who wear a frown. 

Yet I ain't sayin' frownin's right, 

Nor praisin' solemn looks. 
But they are better, a long sight. 

Than hypocrites and crooks. 

I like to see a body smile, 

And say words soft and kind. 

If he ain't hidin' any guile, 
Nor any evil mind. 

We all might smile more than we do. 
And speak more soft and sweet, 

And keep our nature kind and true 
To ev'ry one we meet. 



SONGS OF HOPE 177 

There's folks I know who'd ruther say 
The things that's harsh and rough 

Than scatter kindness on the way 
That's always hard enough. 

God did not put us here to growl, 

Like dogs, about a bone; 
Nor yet to raise a row, and howl. 

If we ain't let alone. 

We're here to bless our fellow men. 

And cheer some one each day. 
And give a kind word to the friend 

We meet upon the way. 

I've met a few such folks, and they 
Have cheer'd my heart when sad, 

I'd love to meet 'em ev'ry day, 
'Cause they jest make me glad. 

Let's pattern after all such folks 

And fill the world with cheer; 
For loving words, and smiles, and jokes 

Will make the world less drear. 



WITH THE SHADOWS 

Sometimes shadows on my pathway 
Darken faith, and lessen hope; 

Sometimes gloom obscures the noonday- 
Then I blindly, sadly grope. 



178 SONGS OF HOPE 

But the sunlight also brightens 
Dreary paths that I have trod; 

Hope the burden gladly lightens, 
Leading, ever, up to God. 

Gloom and darkness, grief and sadness. 
Wait upon us down the way ! 

Light and life, and joy and gladness 
Shall be with us, too, some day ! 



SEP 4 1913 



IIIIIIIIIH 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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